alifornia 
fional 

ility 


; 


POLITICAL  AND  SOCIAL  LETTERS 


OF  A 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY 
1721-1771 


Pho-.o-»nf>  raving. 


'"///  's/  -fif  /  '.s  r's>"//  /  f  S 
,,,'ff,   /,•.  /,>//,,   f/.j/>r> 


POLITICAL  AND  SOCIAL  LETTERS 


LADY  OF  THE  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY 
1721-1771 


EDITED  BY 

EMILY    F.    D.     OSBORN 


WITH    FOUR    ILLUSTRATIONS 


NEW     YORK 

DODD     MEAD     &     COMPANY 
1891 


s:~c;< 

Anr.-jx 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

INTRODUCTION — FAMILY  HISTORY, 7 

LETTERS  I.  TO  XX. — 1721-1734,       .        .        .        .  .17 

Society  at  Bristol — Bath — London —Family  Affairs — 
Inoculation — Court  at  St.  James's — Visit  to  Kimbolton — 
Description  of  Boughton,  Drayton  —  Country  Life  at 
Southill. 

LETTERS  XXI.  TO  XLVI I.— 1736-1751, 55 

London — County  Elections — Chicksands — Sir  Danvers 
Osborn's  Marriage  with  Lady  Mary  Montagu — Wedding 
Preparations — Reports  of  the  Pretender's  Invasion — Par- 
liamentary News— Dining  at  Court — Rebellion  of  1745 — 
Panic  in  London — Account  of  a  Duel. 

ADMIRAL  BYNG — 1757, 112 

Condemnation  —  Letter  to  him  from  Voltaire  —  From 
Marshal  Richlieu  —  Letters  from  Mrs.  Osborn  to  the 
Duke  of  Bedford — Letter  to  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty 
— Admiral  Byng's  last  Letter  to  his  Sister,  Mrs.  Osborn 
— His  Justification — Monument  to  his  Memory  at  Southill. 

LETTERS  XLVI  1 1.  TO  XCI 1 1.— 1766-1773,       .        .        .        .126 

Mr.  Pitt — Lord  Halifax — Parliamentary  Details — Crea- 
tion of  Lord  Chatham — Lord  Tavistock's  Death — Elections 
— General  Depression — "  Spendthrift  Election  "  at  North- 
ampton— Duke  of  York's  Death — Conclusion. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE 

(1)  "HONBLE  MRS.  OSBORN," Frontispiece 

(2)  CHICKSANDS  PRIORY,  1730, 

(3)  ADMIRAL  BYNG,        ...  ....  112 

(4)  CHICKSANDS  PRIORY,  1890, 185 


INTRODUCTION. 


So  many  records  of  the  eighteenth  century  have  been 
handed  down  to  us,  and  are  still  issuing  from  the  press, 
in  one  form  or  another,  that  I  feel  great  diffidence  in 
bringing  the  present  collection  of  letters  before  the 
public.  But  perhaps,  as  the  production  of  a  lady  of 
conspicuous  ability  and  "vigour  of  mind,"  as  she  has 
been  described  by  one  of  her  descendants,  and  embrac- 
ing an  important  period  of  history  and  politics,  they 
may  be  found  worth)''  of  perusal,  and  may  throw  some 
additional  light  upon  the  manners  and  customs  of 
that  day. 

Also,  Mrs.  Osborn's  relationship  to  the  unfortunate 
Admiral  Byng  necessarily  involves  the  introduction  of 
that  sad  event  in  her  life  ;  and  though  his  story  is  a 
familiar  one  to  all  readers  of  history,  it  never  grows 
stale  by  repetition,  and  an  additional  interest  will  be 
given  to  the  subject  by  the  insertion  of  some  letters 
connected  with  it,  which  have  never  before  been 
published. 

Mrs.  Osborn,  who  was  by  marriage  a  great -niece 
of  the  now  well-known  Dorothy  Osborne,  was  a  woman 
of  unusual  capacity  and  energy,  and  the  exceptional 
circumstances  of  her  life  were  calculated  to  develop 
her  powers  to  the  uttermost. 

She  was  left  a  widow  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-four, 

7 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

and  had  to  undertake  the  management  of  affairs  in  the 
first  instance  for  her  son,  then  for  her  grandson,  and 
this  she  did  so  effectually  that  another  descendant  of 
hers  alludes  to  her  as  "one  of  whom  every  Byng  is 
proud." 

It  is  necessary,  first  of  all,  to  give  some  account  of 
Mrs.  Osborn's  family  history. 

Sarah  Byng  was  the  only  surviving  daughter  of 
Admiral  Sir  George  Byng,  who  in  1721  was  created 
Viscount  Torrington  in  recognition  of  his  valuable 
services  as  a  naval  officer  of  great  distinction.  Her 
mother  was  Margaret,  daughter  of  Mr.  Master,  of  East/ 
/Langdon,  in  Kent.  She  must  have  been  an  extremely 
pretty  woman,  to  judge  by  the  picture  of  her  which  is 
at  Chicksands  Priory.  Sarah  always  mentions  her  with 
great  affection,  and  after  Lord  Torrington's  death  in 
1733  they  lived  much  together  till  she  died  in  1756 
at  the  age  of  eighty-seven. 

Lord  and  Lady  Torrington  had  a  family  of  fifteen 
children,  but  of  this  number  only  six  lived  beyond 
infancy,  of  whom  Sarah  was  the  eldest. 

She  was  born  in  October  1693,  at  Southill,  Beds, 
just  after  her  father  had  bought  that  property,  which 
remained  in  his  family  for  about  a  hundred  years. 
Before  this  the  Byngs  had  lived  at  Wrotham,  in  Kent, 
for  many  generations. 

Lord  Torrington's  five  sons  were — 

Pattee,  born  1699,  served  in  the  navy  under  his 
father,  and  married,  1724,  Lady  Charlotte  Montagu, 
daughter  of  Charles,  Duke  of  Manchester.  Pattee  suc- 
ceeded as  second  Viscount,  and  died  in  1746,  leaving 
no  children. 

George,  third  Viscount,  was  in  the  army,  married 
Miss  Daniell,  and  died  in  1750,  leaving  two  sons. 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

Robert,  the  third  brother,  was  the  one  to  whom  all 
Sarah's  earlier  letters  were  addressed,  and  was  evidently 
the  adviser  of  his  sister  during  her  son's  minority.  He 
married  Miss  Forward,  was  appointed  Governor  of 
Barbadoes,  and  died  there  in  1740.  The  present  Earls 
of  Strafford  are  descended  from  one  of  his  three  sons. 

John,  the  Admiral,  alluded  to  as  "Jack"  in  the 
following  letters,  was  the  fourth  son.  He  was  unmarried 
at  the  time  of  his  death. 

Edward  ("Ned")  was  also  in  the  army, married,  1730, 
Miss  Bramston,  of  Chigwell,  Essex,  and  died  in  1756. 

To  return  to  Sarah. 

She  was  not  quite  seventeen  years  old  when  she 
married,  in  August  1710,  Mr.  John  Osborn,  eldest  son 
of  Sir  John  Osborn,  second  Baronet  of  Chicksands 
Priory.  A  distance  of  only  three  miles  or  so  separated 
the  two  houses. 

Mr.  Osborn's  mother,  Miss  Elizabeth  Strode,  had  died 
at  his  birth,  and  Sir  John  had  married  secondly  Miss 
Martha  Kelynge,  and  numerous  younger  children  were 
growing  up  and  filling  the  old  Priory  to  overflowing. 

Perhaps  this  may  account  for  a  very  stormy  corre- 
spondence which  passed  between  Sir  John  Osborn  and 
Sir  George  Byng  about  this  period,  as  to  which  of  the 
two  fathers  ought  to  offer  a  home  to  the  young  married 
couple. 

I  must  confess  that  Sir  John  Osborn  was  decidedly  the 
aggressor,  and,  in  his  eagerness  to  throw  the  responsi- 
bility on  his  neighbour,  took  little  pains  to  moderate  his 
indignation,  and  reproached  Sir  George  with  meanness 
in  making  a  demand  for  .£100  yearly,  in  payment  of 
board  and  lodging  for  his  daughter  and  her  husband. 
Sir  George,  whose  replies  were  of  a  much  more  temperate 
description,  concluded  by  saying  that  if  any  more  letters 


IO  INTRODUCTION. 

were  to  pass  between  them,  he  hoped  they  should  treat 
each  other  like  gentlemen. 

They  evidently  settled  their  differences  amicably 
before  long,  for  they  were  writing  to  each  other  most 
affectionately  a  few  months  later,  and  Sir  George  was 
exerting  all  his  influence  to  give  a  start  in  life  to 
Sir  John's  younger  sons.  Unfortunately  this  dispute 
between  the  heads  of  the  two  families  is  the  only  docu- 
ment remaining  connected  with  Sarah's  short  married 
life,  although  we  gather  that  she  and  her  husband  lived 
chiefly  with  her  parents. 

In  the  month  of  January  1719,  Mr.  John  Osborn  died 
of  consumption  at  Hawnes  Grange,  near  Chicksands,  in 
the  thirty-sixth  year  of  his  age,  leaving  her,  at  twenty- 
four  years  old,  with  two  boys  —  Danvers,  born  in 
November  171$,  and  John,  born  in  1718.  There  had 
been  three  other  children,  who  had  all  died  in  infancy, 
and  were  buried  in  Campton  Church,  Beds. 

The  youngest  boy,  John,  died  six  months  after  his 
father,  of  measles. 

Mr.  John  Osborn's  affairs  were  in  a  very  unsatisfactory 
state  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  his  widow  bound 
herself  down  to  pay  off  the  greater  part  of  his  debts,  for 
her  father-in-law  was  then  an  old  man,  and  incapable  of 
transacting  business. 

Sir  John  Osborn  died  early  in  the  year  1720,  and  Mrs. 
Osborn  then  became  guardian  to  her  little  boy,  Sir 
Danvers,  the  estates  being  put  into  Chancery. 

During  the  sixteen  years  before  her  son  attained  his 
majority,  she  took  the  entire  management  of  the 
property  into  her  own  hands,  mastered  every  necessary 
business  detail,  and,  with  the  assistance  and  advice  of 
her  father  and  of  her  brother  Robert,  so  successfully 
wielded  the  reins  of  government  that  she  was  able  to 


INTRODUCTION.  I  I 

surrender  her  trust  to  her  son  in  a  greatly  improved 
condition. 

Mrs.  Osborn's  home  throughout  this  period  was 
principally  in  London,  in  her  house  in  Conduit  Street ; 
but  she  often  paid  visits  to  various  friends,  and  she  and 
Sir  Danvers  were  always  welcome  guests  at  Southill. 
Now  and  then  they  stayed  at  Chicksands  for  a  time  ; 
but  after  Lord  Torrington's  death,  she  herself  lived  more 
in  London. 

The  next  event  in  Mrs.  Osborn's  life  was  the  marriage 
of  her  son,  in  September  1740,  with  Lady  Mary  Mon- 
tagu, fourth  daughter  of  George  Dunk,  second  Earl  of 
Halifax. 

To  his  mother  Sir  Danvers  entrusted  the  task  of 
drawing  up  an  estimate  of  the  future  probable  expenses 
of  his  household,  and  this  she  carried  out  conscientiously, 
according  to  her  own  words,  "  on  a  basis  of  great 
economy  and  excellent  management."  The  wages 
allowed  for  servants  in  those  days  contrast  strangely 
with  those  of  the  present  day :  the  butler  had  £25, 
footman,  £14,  and  lady's  maid,  £10;  but  one  must 
take  into  consideration  the  far  greater  relative  value  of 
money  150  years  ago. 

After  barely  three  years  of  married  life,  Lady  Mary 
Osborn  died  at  the  age  of  thirty,  at  the  birth  of  her 
second  son,  John.  The  eldest  son,  George,  was  born  in 
1742. 

Sir  Danvers  never  seems  to  have  recovered  his  spirits 
after  his  wife's  death.  For  some  years  he  led  a  restless 
and  wandering  life,  spent  some  of  his  time  at  Horton,  in 
Northamptonshire,  with  his  brother-in-law  (the  third  and 
last  Lord  Halifax),  and  was  elected  member  for  the 
county  of  Bedford  in  1742.  In  1745,  during  the  re- 
bellion of  the  Young  Pretender,  he  raised  a  troop  of 


1 2  INTRODUCTION. 

men,  and  led  them  in  person  to  support  King  George. 
In  1750  he  went  to  Nova  Scotia  for  six  months  on  a 
visit  to  the  Governor,  Lord  Cornwallis,  and  three  years 
later  was  appointed  Governor  of  New  York,  in  succession 
to  Lancy,  and  sailed  from  Portsmouth  on  the  22nd 
of  August  to  assume  his  new  office.  His  little  boys, 
meanwhile,  were  left  under  the  care  of  their  grand- 
mother. 

Sir  Danvers  arrived  at  New  York  on  October  6th,  and 
died  there  six  days  later,  but  the  cause  of  his  untimely 
death  I  have  never  been  able  to  discover. 

Once  more  did  Sarah  find  herself  in  a  responsible 
position,  and  once  more  did  she  courageously  rouse 
herself  to  undertake  the  fresh  and  unexpected  duty 
which  fell  to  her  lot.  She  was  now  sixty  years  of  age, 
and  might  reasonably  have  looked  forward  to  repose  and 
peace  for  the  remainder  of  her  days.  But  her  labours 
were  not  yet  ended. 

For  the  space  of  another  ten  years  she  had  to  devote 
herself  to  the  care  and  education  of  her  young  grand- 
sons, and  to  the  management  of  business  during  Sir 
George's  minority;  and  this  time  she  had  an  efficient 
coadjutor  in  the  boys'  uncle  and  guardian,  Lord  Halifax, 
who,  later  on,  exerted  all  his  influence  to  start  them  in 
their  respective  professions. 

But  long  before  her  charges  were  of  an  age  to  be  out 
in  the  world,  the  culminating  misfortune  of  Admiral 
Byng's  trial  and  execution  took  place,  some  account  of 
which  is  given  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  At  the  time 
that  this  calamitous  event  occurred,  Sarah  and  her  ill- 
fated  brother  were  the  only  two  remaining  members  of 
her  family.  Her  brothers  Pattee,  George,  and  Robert 
had  all  died  some  years  ago.  Lady  Torrington  died  in 
1756;  and  the  youngest  son,  Edward,  died  towards  the 


INTRODUCTION.  1 3 

end  of  the  same  year,  from  grief  at  seeing  his  brother 
John  brought  prisoner  to  Portsmouth. 

Consequently,  Mrs.  Osborn,  as  his  only  near  relation, 
took  a  prominent  part  in  pleading  for  a  commutation 
of  his  sentence,  and,  though  her  efforts  were  vain,  she 
must  have  derived  some  comfort  from  his  dying  testi- 
mony that  she  had  done  all  that  was  possible  on  his 
behalf. 

There  are  none  of  Mrs.  Osborn's  letters  in  existence 
between  the  years  1751  and  1766.  After  this  date  they 
were,  with  few  exceptions,  addressed  to  her  youngest 
grandson. 

After  leaving  Westminster  School,  both  boys  went  to 
Oxford,  but  at  the  age  of  seventeen  George  received  a 
commission  in  the  army,  and  was  soon  after  appointed 
aide-de-camp  to  his  uncle,  Lord  Halifax,  then  Lord 
Lieutenant  of  Ireland. 

John  entered  the  diplomatic  service,  held  a  post  under 
Lord  Halifax  when  Secretary  of  State,  was  afterwards 
sent  to  various  foreign  Embassies,  and  finally  became 
Minister  at  Dresden  in  1771.  He  died  at  Rudolstadt, 
in  Saxony,  in  1814,  "on  the  eve  of  returning  to  England 
after  eight  years'  detention  in  the  territorys  of  Bona- 
parte " — as  is  recorded  on  his  monument. 

Mrs.  Osborn's  letters  were  addressed  to  him  to  differ- 
ent places  on  the  Continent,  though  he  frequently  paid 
visits  to  England  ;  and  while  his  brother  was  with  his 
regiment  in  America  during  the  War  of  Independence, 
John  lived  at  Chicksands,  and  superintended  his 
brother's  estate. 

Mrs.  Osborn  lived  to  the  age  of  eighty-two,  and,  before 
she  died,  had  the  satisfaction  of  welcoming  the  birth  of 
a  great-grandson,  afterwards  Sir  John  Osborn. 

In  conclusion,  I  beg  to  offer  grateful  thanks  to  the 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

Duke  of  Bedford  and  to  Lord  Strafford,  for  the  help 
they  have  afforded  me,  and  for  the  loan  of  documents 
and  letters.  The  original  of  twenty-one  of  the  latter  are 
at  Wrotham.  The  remainder  are  in  the  possession  of 
my  father,  Sir  George  Osborn. 

I  have  every  now  and  then  omitted  portions  relating 
only  to  family  affairs,  and  paragraphs  that  repeat  them- 
selves, and  have  endeavoured  as  much  as  possible  to 
retain  that  which  I  hope  may  be  of  interest  to  the 
general  public. 

The  original  spelling  has  been  adhered  to  throughout, 
and  I  do  not  anticipate  any  difficulty  in  deciphering  it. 

EMILY  F.  D.  OSBORN. 

CHICKSANDS  PRIORY,/«W  1890. 


i  7  i  9. 


[THE  first  document,  according  to  date,  in  Mrs.  Os- 
born's  handwriting,  is  the  following  statement  of  her 
affairs  at  the  time  of  her  husband's  death,  including  also 
a  copy  of  his  will.  The  Mr.  Peter  Osborn  referred  to  is 
the  half-brother  of  her  late  husband.] 

By  an  order  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Townsend  .  .  . 
is  to  pay  to  Mr.  Peter  Osborn  ^400  a  year  for 
keeping  Sir  John  Osborn  in  Cloaths,  house,  ser- 
vants, horses,  and  in  short,  everything  (his  sick- 
ness excepted)  that  shall  be  wanted  at  Chick- 
sands,  and  he  gives  him  direction  to  pay  me  four- 
score pound  a  year  for  keeping  my  children,  their 
being  no  provision  for  them  till  theire  grandfather 
dies  .  .  .  the  Gardens  we  have  lett  to  a  man  for 
^"30  a  year,  and  he  is  to  find  everything  without 
more  expence  to  us. 

Mr.  Osborn  has  debts  of  all  kinds  out  against 
him,  executions  and  all  sorts  of  bonds  and  ingage- 
ments,  but  Mr.  Townsend  is  off  opinion  that 
as  he  was  not  possessed  of  anything  when  he 
dyed,  that  neither  his  Father  nor  Heires  can  be 
oblidged  to  pay  anything,  but  his  Creditors  seem 

to  have  other  hopes  .  .  . 

15 


1 6  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

I  have  took  an  Inventory  of  all  his  goods,  and 
lockt  them  up  at  Chicksands  for  nobody  as  yet 
has  attempted  to  seize  them.  His  horses  I  could 
not  keep,  so  by  Mr.  Townsend's  advice,  I  gave 
notice  to  the  Under  Shreive  (who  had  three 
executions  lodgd  against  him)  that  Sir  John  had 
let  all  his  grounds  round  here,  and  the  Horses 
would  go  stray,  so  upon  that  he  sent  for  them, 
the  Landlord  of  his  Chambers  in  the  Temple  has 
seized  there,  but  I  first  had  an  inventory  of  all 
there,  for  that  will  be  required  of  me  to  do,  for  if 
they  ever  do  give  us  trouble,  as  to  be  sure  they 
will  (for  everybody  will  not  lose  contentedly)  I 
shall  be  brought  to  a  strict  oath  for  everything 
that  did  belong  to  him.  I  have  myself  engaged 
at  several  times  for  about  £500.  Law  cannot 
oblidge  me  to  pay  it,  but  as  most  of  it  is  to 
Relations  and  ffriends,  I  think  myself  oblidged 
to  pay  it  as  soon  as  posible,  I  have  engaged  my 
honour  and  that  was  all  they  could  tye  me  by, 
therefore  I  shall  save  every  penny  I  can  to  pay  it 
as  soon  as  posible,  but  fear  I  shall  not  compass  it 
under  two  year,  for  all  of  it  is  at  present  upon 
Intrest,  which  I  have  hithertoo  exactly  paid  .  .  . 
When  I  found  Mr.  Osborn  ill,  by  Mr.  Town- 
shend's  advice  I  had  a  Will  drawn  by  him,  which 
I  hoped  to  prevail  with  him  to  signe,  but  could 
not,  however  he  gave  Noris  the  same  will  which 
I  had  given  him,  write  out  in  his  own  hand,  but 
neither  signed  nor  dated,  nor  the  names  writ 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  17 

plain,  and  bid  him  give  it  me  after  he  was  dead, 
and  tell  me  it  was  his  Will  .  .  .  it  is  as  ffollows — 
"  This  is  the  last  Will  and  Testament  of  me,  John 
Osborn  of  Chicksands  in  the  County  of  Bedford. 
I  give  unto  my  loving  Wife  Mrs.  Sarah  Osborn 
all  my  Jewels,  plate,  and  Watches,  and  all  other 
ornaments  she  has  usaly  worn  and  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  pounds  for  mourning,  all  the  rest 
and  residue  of  my  personal  Estate  of  what  nature 
or  kind  soever  I  give  and  devise  to  my  said  Wife 
and  unto  her  father  the  Honble.  G.  Byng,  Kt. 
and  Baronet  upon  trust,  out  of  the  same  to  raise 
and  pay  all  such  sums  of  money  as  I  shall  justly 
owe  unto  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever  .  .  . 
And  pay  the  sum  of  five  thousand  pounds  unto 
my  youngest  son  John  ...  I  give  and  devise 
the  residue  and  remainder  of  my  said  goods  and 
chatties  and  personal  Estate  unto  my  eldest  son 
Danvers,  his  Executors  and  Administrators,  in 
witness  whereof  I  the  said  John  Osborn  have  to 
this  my  last  Will  and  Testament  set  my  hand 
and  seal  this  day  of  September,  Anno  Domini 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighteen." 

LETTER  i. 

[The  originals  of  the  first  seventeen  letters,  also  Nos. 
19,  20,  22,  and  23,  are  in  Lord  Strafford's  collection  at 
Wrotham,  and  were  kindly  lent  by  him  to  me  to  copy. 
Letters  18  and  21  are  among  those  at  Chicksands 
Priory. 


1 8          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

The  Strafibrd  letters  are  all  addressed  to  the  Hon. 
Robert  Byng,  Sarah's  third  brother,  then  Paymaster  of 
the  Navy.  The  first  is  dated  little  more  than  two  years 
after  her  husband's  death,  and  about  eighteen  months 
after  that  of  Sir  John  Osborn.  Sir  Danvers  was  at  this 
time  not  six  years  old.  Sarah  is  evidently  passing  a 
few  weeks  at  Bristol  and  Bath  with  her  eldest  brother, 
Pattee  Byng,  and  entering  into  the  amusements  going 
on  at  both  places.] 

BRISTOL,  June  24,  1721. 

I  must  beg  the  favour  of  my  dear  Brother 
Robin  to  put  these  Letters  into  the  post  for  me. 
I  am  very  troublesome  to  you  but  hope  you 
excuse  it,  your  last  Letter  gave  me  great  satis- 
faction to  hear  about  my  affairs,  for  I  am  so  far 
from  them  that  I  am  almost  out  of  patience,  not 
to  be  better  satisfyed.  I  have  writ  to  Sly  to  pay 
you  some  Rent.  I  believe  it  will  be  about 
^36  .  .  .  We  have  been  to  see  Mr.  Southwell's 
house  which  is  within  5  mile  of  this  place.  Van- 
burg  was  the  Architeck  and  a  clumsy  lump  of 
building  it  is,  it  cost  fifteen  or  twenty  thousand 
pound  without  Gardens,  and  there  is  no  good 
room  in  it.  Little  doors,  windows  and  starecase, 
a  prodigious  large  house,  but  all  the  room  taken 
up  in  thick  walls,  and  clumsy  pillars.  The  pro- 
spect is  to  the  Severn  which  is  very  pleasent  with 
the  adition  of  the  Ships  that  are  ancord  there,  the 
Gardens  are  nothing  neither  do  I  believe  they 
can  make  any,  it  is  such  a  stony  soile  that  nothing 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTtfRY.  19 

can  grow,  and  rocks  all  about.  Ratclif  Church 
we  have  also  seen,  which  I  believe  is  the  finest  in 
England,  it  is  in  this  City  and  should  be  a  patron 
for  all  that  are  built,  it  was  founded  by  a  priest  in 
Edwd-  the  3ds  time  but  newly  adorned  in  Queen 
Anns,  which  I  cannot  but  say  is  extream  fine,  but 
I  am  not  fond  of  Churches  in  that  manner.  The 
Altar  is  adorned  with  painting  Guilding  and  Carv- 
ing that  it  comes  so  near  a  popish  Church  that 
my  Brother  said  he  could  not  but  fancy  himself 
abroad.  Besides  these  Churches  they  have  several 
fine  buildings  as  Marchants  Hall,  the  Custome 
House,  which  we  have  not  seen  yett. 

Thursday  we  had  a  Ball,  the  gentlemen  Bor- 
rowd  the  Long  Room  at  the  Custome  House,  nine 
cuple,  and  as  the  gentlemen  Baloted  for  their 
partners  they  did  not  all  suit  well,  but  as  follows  : 

Mr.  Byng. 

Lady  Tereasa  frogmorton,  Duke  Powis  daughter. 

Mr.  Paulet 

Mrs.  Bloomer  a  parson's  wife,  young,  pretty  and 

silly. 

Sir  Rob'   frogmorton 
Mrs.  Player 

Major  Dean 

Ldy  Jenkingson,  a   very   agreable   lady,  y   Bro  : 
says  like  Dutches  Termoti 

Captain  Rowley 

Mrs.  ffleming,  a  very  agreable  lady. 


2O          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Mr.  Jennings 
Mrs.  Jenkingsson 

Lieut,  of  Capt.   Rowley's  ship,  the  worst  there, 
W*  fell  to  my  lott. 

Capt.  Wilson 

Mrs.  Craythorn,  yr  Brothers  partner  in  the  last 
ball. 

Mr.  Parsons 
Mrs.  Snow 

Thus  I  have  given  you  a  discription  of  our  De- 
vertions  here  but  Munday  sennight  I  find  my 
father  comes,  and  then  we  shall  grow  grave,  at 
present  we  amuse  our  Selves  much.  This  is  all 
the  Account  I  can  give  you  at  present,  and  must 
conclude,  dear  Robin, 

your  affect.  Sister  and 

oblidged  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  n. 

BATH,  30  August  1721. 

I  thank  my  dear  Brother  Robin  for  all  the 
trouble  I  have  given  you,  and  since  my  necklace 
cannot  be  found,  I  must  be  contented  and  am 
concerned  I  have  given  you  so  much  trouble  to 
please  my  Vanity.  .  .  .  You  will  be  surprised  at 
my  father  coming  to  town  so  soon,  but  an  express 
came  down  from  Sir  George  Saunders  for  him, 
upon  Lech — (mere  ?)  being  made  a  Lord  wch  was 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH   CENTURY.  21 

contrary  to  all  promises  made  to  him  that  any 
should  be  so  till  his  patent  had  passed.  He  will 
be  in  town  a  fryday,  he  went  in  by  Coach  this 
morning.  Now  I  must  tell  you  the  devertion  of 
this  place.  Last  Thursday  we  came  here,  that 
night  a  play  bespoke  by  Lady  Harold,  so  we  did 
not  see  anybody,  next  day  a  ball  where  we  was, 
and  saw  all  ye  great  Ladys.  My  Brother  Byng 
dansed  French  danses  with  Mrs.  Key,  who  has 
seven  thousand  a  year  settled  on  her,  and  Country 
Danses  wlh  Lady  Jemima  Grey,  Duke  Kent's 
daughter,  we  left  them  dansing  and  went  with 
some  Ladys  to  Lindseys  where  I  sate  down  to 
Ginea  Comerce  with  Dutches  of  Wharton,  Lady 
Harold,  Mrs.  Sims  (Ld  Morton's  daughter)  Mr. 
Cook  (Vice  Chamberlains  Brother)  Gen1  Stanwix 
lady,  Mrs.  Bradshaw,  Lady  Lucy,  myself,  etc., 
the  pooll  seven  gineas  and  I  very  near  wining 
of  it. 

Saturday  was  a  play  bespoak  by  Lady  Bristol. 
She  asked  us  to  go,  as  we  accordingly  did,  but 
first  went  to  make  a  visit  with  my  father  to  Lady 
ffranklin,  in  the  meantime  came  to  see  me  the 
Dutches  of  Wharton,  Lady  Bristol,  Lady  Lucy 
and  more  of  our  Ladys,  which  was  a  perticuler 
favour,  they  not  being  of  my  acquaintance  before, 
and  what  is  very  seldom  done  in  these  places. 
Sunday  to  Church  and  to  return  all  my  Visits,  then 
in  to  Harison's  room,  where  was  a  varst  number 
of  people,  but  I,  being  not  well,  came  home  by 


22          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

8  and  went  to  bed.  Next  day  forced  myself  out 
not  being  willing  to  indulge,  met  all  our  great 
Ladys  at  Lindseys  and  was  visited  by  Ldy 
Harold,  Mrs.  Car  and  Mrs.  Andrewes,  but  so  ill 
I  was  forced  to  come  home  early  with  a  violent 
cold,  and  was  in  a  fever  all  night,  and  yesterday 
much  worse  with  sore  throat  and  pain  in  my  side 
that  I  was  forced  to  be  Blooded,  and  am  to-day 
much  better.  Thus  I  have  told  you  how  we 
have  spent  each  day  here  like  a  real  gosip,  but 
as  I  believe  you  are  pretty  well  dull  in  town, 
I  am  willing  to  devert  you  the  best  I  can.  My 
Brothers  cloaths  are  extream  handsom  and  ffit 
him  exact.  He  has  been  at  two  balls  in  his 
padesway,  so  I  think  he  cuts  a  fine  figure  here. 
Here  is  Lady  Inchqueen  and  2  of  Ld  Essex 
sisters,  but  I  am  not  acquainted  with  them. 
Dutches  of  Oueensborough  comes  to-night.  My 
head  akes  so  much  that  I  hope  you  will  excuse 
this  my  scroll,  and  I  must  end. 

your  affect.  Sister 

and  humble  SeiV, 

S.  OSBORN. 

Gray  ye  poet  lodges  in  our  house  so  he  has 
supt  with  us. 

LETTER  in. 

[Mrs.  Osborn  is  evidently  referring  in  this  letter  to 
inoculation,  which  was  introduced  into  England  in  1718, 
and  was  violently  opposed  by  great  numbers  of  people. 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  23 

The  three  Princesses  mentioned  are  the  granddaughters 
of  George  I.  "Jack  "  is  her  brother,  afterwards  Admiral 
Byng.] 

CONDUIT  STREET,  June  2,  1722. 

I  was  much  oblidged  to  dear  brother  Robin  for 
your  patience  in  writting  down  perscriptions  for 
my  son,  as  well  as  to  Dr.  Askenhurst  for  his 
advice,  but  he  has  been  too  ill  for  me  to  venture 
anything  but  jist  what  they  have  orderd  him. 
Sir  Hans  Slone  and  Amions  have  had  him  under 
their  care,  his  swelling  under  his  arm  is  still  open, 
that  is  the  wound  that  was  made  there  by  it 
being  lanced,  it  is  now  held  open  by  a  pea.  .  .  . 
I  would  ten  thousand  times  sooner  send  them 
into  a  room  to  catch  the  smallpox,  than  poyson 
their  blood  in  this  manner,  since  there  is  no 
knowing  when  the  accidents  will  end  that  comes 
by  this  pernicious  practice. 

Munday  last  was  a  great  Court  at  St.  James's, 
and  most  people  very  fine,  but  I  believe  the 
gentlemen  will  ware  petty-cotes  very  soon,  for 
many  of  their  Coats  were  like  our  Mantuas.  Ld 
Essex  had  a  silver  tissue  Coat,  and  pink  colour 
lutestring  wascote,  and  several  had  pink  colour 
and  pale  blue  padeswoy  Coats,  which  lookd  pro- 
digiously effeminate.  The  three  young  Princesses 
dansed,  which  is  a  signe  they  got  over  their 
inoculating  very  well,  for  I  am  sure  my  son 
could  as  soon  fly  as  danse.  Brother  George  lives 
altogether  in  the  Camp,  I  hardly  ever  see  him. 


24          POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Bro :  Byng  is  better  since  he  was  at  Southill,  and 
all  are  well  there  but  my  father.  Jack,  I  think, 
knows  when  he  is  well  off,  for  he  has  taken  up  his 
rest  at  Danbury. 

I  doubt  not  but  you  had  some  merry  doings  at 
Bristol  last  Munday,  and  hope  you  had  a  share  in 
the  devertion.  I  can  send  you  no  news  from  this 
place  but  what  is  in  the  public  prints,  for  I  have 
no  men  belong  to  me,  so  of  course  can  have  no 
news  that  is  authentick. 

I  believe  the  country  will  soon  be  pleasent,  but 
hitherto  I  fancy  you  have  had  much  Rain,  for 
certainly  it  has  been  so  here,  and  I  remember 
last  year  at  Bristol  it  was  the  same.  It  spoyls 
my  walks  sometimes,  for  most  mornings,  instead 
of  ordering  my  Coach  and  six,  I  order  my  shoes 
and  ten  toes  to  trot  away  to  Chealsey.  Your 
Aunts  and  all  here  are  much  your  Servants,  but 
none  more  so  than 

your  affec.  Sister 

and  humble  Serv*, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  iv. 

August  4,  1722. 

Dear  Brother  Robin  will  think  I  am  continualy 
troubling  you  with  letters,  but  having  writ  to  Mr. 
Theed  before  and  had  no  answer,  I  am  willing  he 
should  have  this  carryd  to  him,  so  should  be 
oblidged  to  you  to  send  one  of  your  porters  with 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  25 

it.  If  he  is  not  at  his  Chambers,  they  may 
leave  it  with  his  Clerk,  and  I  should  be  infinitly 
oblidged  to  you  if  you  have  any  time  when  you 
go  to  the  other  end  of  the  town,  if  you  would  call 
on  him  yourself  and  help  solicit  for  me.  The 
case  is  this  that  I  have  had  answers  to  my 
Chancery  bills,  but  they  proving  rogueish  ones, 
and  not  to  the  purpose,  I  am  oblidged  to  file  a 
bill  of  exceptions  to  them,  and  oblidge  them  to 
answer  more  fully.  Mr.  Theed  was  to  have 
drawn  up  this  bill  before  I  left  town,  but  it  is  not 
yet  done,  and  it  should  be  very  soon  filld,  or 
else  I  shall  not  give  them  time  to  answer  it  in 
Michaelmas  term,  and  I  am  quite  weary  of  so 
many  delays.  .  .  .  When  they  see  a  man  appear 
for  one  they  will  not  delay  so,  but  a  poor  woman 
is  made  nothing  off,  she  may  live  upon  air  seven 
year  if  she  can. 

I  hope  you  had  my  letter  of  joy  to  you,  but  I 
supose  you  have  so  much  bussiness  now  that  I 
must  not  expect  to  hear  from  you. 

Brother  Byng  talks  of  going  to  town  next 
Tuesday  or  Wednesday  to  see  the  Duke  of  Marl- 
borough's  funeral,  which  they  say  will  be  extream 
fine. 

All  here  much  your  humble  Servts,  but  none 
more  than 

your  affect.  Sister 

and  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 


26          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

LETTER  v. 

[The  Mr.  Layer  alluded  to  in  this  letter  was  a 
barrister,  who  was  accused  of  conspiracy  against  the 
king,  found  guilty,  and  hanged.] 

DANBURY,  Nov.  30,  1722. 

I  was  in  hopes  before  this  to  have  heard  from 
dear  brother  Robin,  but  will  supose  you  have 
been  much  taken  up  with  more  weighty  affairs  at 
your  Office,  and  also  hearing  Mr.  Layers  trial, 
and  such  things  of  consequence,  but  should  have 
took  it  for  a  favour  to  have  been  in  your  thoughts 
Wednesday.  All  here  rememberd  your  health, 
and  joynd  with  me  wishing  your  years  may  con- 
tinue to  prosper  with  as  much  success  as  they  had 
hitherto  done.  I  wanted  much  to  see  vou  after  I 

0 

had  talked  to  the  lawyers,  before  I  came  out  of 
town,  but  not  being  able  to  get  them  togeather 
till  the  night  before,  it  was  imposible  to  see 
you.  ...  I  must  beg  you  will  be  so  good  to 
take  my  Affairs  under  your  management.  It  is 
a  great  deal  of  trouble,  and  I  know  not  how  to 
ask  it,  but  if  you  are  so  oblidging  to  do  it,  it  will 
be  esteemed  a  very  great  friendship  and  obligation 
in  you. 

Haris  is  slow  and  delatory  in  his  way,  and 
Theed  is  so  in  his.  They  both  blame  each  other, 
and  I  could  never  judg  between  them,  but  by 
carrying  Haris  somtimes  to  Theed  with  me,  and 
hear  them  talk  it  over  before  me.  The  way  to 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  27 

make  yourself  master  of  the  affair  is   I  believe 
necessary   you  should   read   over   my   bills   and 
answers  in  Chancery,  which  Haris  holds  and  will 
give  you  to  read.     The  answers  I  had  last  sumer 
from  Messrs.  Leigh  were  not  thought  sufficient, 
and  therefore  I  filed  exceptions  to  them,  which  it 
seems  now  they  designe  to  argue  before  a  Master 
in  Chancery.     I  should  be  oblidged  to  you  to  go 
to  Theed,  and  know  when  they  are  to  be  argued, 
and  if  it  would  not  be  too  much  trouble,  I  should 
be  glad  you  would  be  in   Court  when  they  are 
argued.  .  .  .     The  Rent  is  all  paid  into  Chancery, 
but  we  might  get  an  order  to  permit  it  to  be 
put  out  on  India  Bonds,  etc.,  that  I  might  have 
Intrest,   and    not   let   it   lye   dead — for   their   is 
above  £600  paid  in  there  wch  lyes  dead  without 
interest.     There  has  lately  been  a  supena  served 
upon  Sr  Danvers  and  another  for  myself  to  fore- 
close the  equity  of  redemption  of  the  mortgage. 
.  .  .  You  must  have  a  full  account  of  their  pro- 
ceedings, and  not  shuffle  you  off  as  they  do  me, 
by  saying  they  will  take  care  and  do  all  that  is 
proper.     They  are  all  Rogues,  but  I  cannot  but 
say  Theed  has  dealt  as  honestly  by  me  as  any 
one  of  them,  and  shuffled  less,  but  he  is  very 
faulty  in  delaying  geting  the  perticulers  drawn  of 
Newgate  Market  Estate,  wch  you  must  press  him 
for,  for  until  they  are  drawn  no  one  can  see  the 
value  of  it  in  order  to  buy  it,  and  it  is  a  great 
determint  to  Sr  Danvers  not  to  have  that  Estate 


28          POLITICAL  AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

sold  because  he  is  oblidged  to  pay  Intrest  for 
money  which  should  be  paid  off  by  the  sale  of 
that  Estate.  .  .  .  To  ffollow  this  will  tyer  you  to 
death.  ...  I  shall  be  satisfyed  in  general  to 
know  you  undertake  to  be  my  Solicitor.  ...  I 
hope  it  may  lye  one  day  or  other  in  my  son's 
power  to  be  able  to  serve  you  or  yours  and 
acknowledge  the  favour  you  do  his  mother,  for 
our  good  Book  says  there  is  great  merit  in  assist- 
ing the  fatherless  and  Widow,  and  to  see  them 
that  are  in  need  and  necessity  have  right,  and  I 
am  sure  I  must  claim  yr  friendship  under  all 
these  titles. 

I  will  trouble  you  with  no  more  now,  but  con- 
clude with  the  adition  of  subscribing  myself 
your  most  affect.  Sister 

and  humble  Servt. 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  vi. 

DANBURY  PLACE,  Deer.  19,  1722. 

I  am  much  oblidged  to  dear  Brother  Robin  for 
the  account  I  received  from  you  by  Sunday  post 
of  my  affaires.  I  am  perfectly  easy  and  satisfyed 
they  will  be  well  managed  now  you  have  under- 
took the  trouble  .  .  .  next  time  I  must  desire 
you  to  ask  Haris  for  all  the  papers  concerning  the 
poor  at  Chicksands,  for  I  very  much  want  them. 

Last  week    I    was   at   Purleigh  and   Screens, 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  29 

played  at  cards  there  till  2  in  the  morning.     But 
London  hours  very  ill  suite  the  country. 

We  have  read  your  new  play,  which  I  doubt 
not  but  you  have  seen  more  than  once,  but  we 
cannot  relish  it  here,  and  therefore  conclude  tis 
our  want  of  tast,  since  the  Beau  Mond  are  of 
a  diferent  opinion.  Mr.  Bob  ffytch  comes  home 
a  Saterday.  He  has  been  very  ill  of  a  feavour, 
and  has  not  yet  quite  recovered  it. 
your  affect.  Sister  and 

oblidged  humble  Serv1, 

S.  OSBORN. 
My  love  to  Nedy. 

LETTER  vn. 

DANBURY,  December  2$th,  1722. 
I  received  dear  Br  Robins  by  Sunday  post,  as 
also  one  from  Haris.  ...  He  says  I  must  come 
to  town  to  be  admitted  in  Court  as  my  son's 
Guardian,  to  answer  the  Bill  that  is  preferd 
against  him.  If  it  must  be  so,  I  hope  it  will  be 
so  contrived  that  I  may  stay  but  one  day  in  town, 
for  I  have  not  half  a  crown  of  my  own  in  the 
world,  and  therefore  can  bear  no  expence  but  that 
which  is  unavoidable.  You  are  very  good  to  call 
on  my  tedious  people.  Once  being  spoken  too 
by  a  man  has  the  weight  of  ten  times  a  woman's 
speaking.  Mr.  Theed  must  be  hurryd  out  of  his 
life  to  get  Newgate  Market  sold.  That  would 


3O          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

greatly  ad  to  the  peace  of  all,  for  tis  a  torment  to 
have  that  so  long  about. 

I  am  yr  afPe  Sister 

and  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 

A  happy  Xmas  and  many  happy  New  Year  to 
you. 

LETTER  vm. 

Munday,  March  n,  1723. 

Dear  Brother  Robin  is  very  oblidging  to  assist 
me  in  so  often  seeing  my  Lawyers,  which  doubtless 
hastens  them,  notwithstanding  it  seems  to  move 
slowly  on,  nobody  that  has  not  experience  of  the 
delays  of  that  proffession  can  imagine  the  plague 
of  them.  I  know  there  is  people  think  it  more 
my  fault  that  this  afaire  is  not  sooner  concluded, 
but  I  have  bought  my  experience  dear.  I  know 
tis  their  Ignorance  makes  them  say  so,  therefore  I 
mind  them  not.  ...  I  beg  the  favour  you  will 
settle  about  the  security.  If  the  Chancery  would 
allow  it,  and  the  other  side  agree,  I  should  think 
India  Bonds  or  Navy  Bills,  for  the  Land  and 
Malt  Tax  carry  but  3  per  cent.  .  .  .  and  the 
Intrest  will  hardly  answer  the  charge  of  puting 
the  money  out.  I  am  very  easy  Brace  should 
administer.  I  have  no  Will  nor  anything  of  Mr. 
Osborns,  and  have  signed  a  renunciation  to 
Brace. 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH   CENTURY.  3! 

When  the  perticulers  of  Newgate  Market  is 
done  .  .  .  then  there  is  to  be  two  Citty  surveyors 
to  value  the  houses,  and  since  you  are  so  good  to 
take  the  trouble  upon  you,  I  hope  you  will  go 
through  with  it  all,  and  press  this  affair  to  be 
wholy  compleated  .  .  .  and  then  I  hope  among 
some  of  your  rich  Citizens  that  there  will  be  a 
purchaser  soon  found,  for  the  Estates  being  sold 
will  go  a  great  way  in  setleing  our  affaires,  at  least 
in  what  relates  to  Sir  Danvers.  He  is  so  young 
that  I  hope  I  shall  get  all  his  affaires  perfect  before 
he  comes  of  age  that  he  may  enjoy  it  all  without 
the  Torment  I  have  known  with  it.  Ask  Mr. 
Theed  when  he  thinks  we  shall  be  able  to  get 
any  witness  to  set  aside  the  Mortgage,  wether 
he  remembers  Sparahawk  the  atorney  in  the 
Country  that  promised  to  let  him  into  many 
of  Weedon's  villinanys  in  this  affair.  ...  I 
would  have  for  my  Councill,  Mr.  Talbot,  Sir 
Phill  York,  and  Serjeant  Chesyere,  so  pray  take 
care  that  these  are  not  retained  on  the  other 
side. 

I  am  uneasy  to  find  my  Leter  so  long  and  only 
filled  with  my  own  troublesome  affaires,  and 
nothing  to  entertain  you.  I  find  the  town  and 
parliament  is  in  full  employment,  and  hope  all 
things  will  be  brought  to  light,  and  those  suffer 
that  ought  to  do  so.  The  Country  begins  to  be 
very  pleasent,  and  this  place  is  always  so,  good 
company,  a  pleasent  park  and  delightfull  prospects, 


32          POLITICAL  AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

and  everything  that  contribute  to  make  a  Country 
life  agreable. 

I  will  trouble  you  with  no  more  now  but  that  I  am 
y  affect.  Sister  and 

oblidged  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  ix. 
DANBURY  PLACE,  Sept.  27, 1723. 

DEAR  BROTHER,  —  When  ever  I  set  pen  to 
paper  it  is  always  to  give  you  trouble,  and 
encrease  the  obligations  I  have  to  you.  Aunt 
Lucy  being  out  of  town  oblidges  me  now  to  do 
it  by  beging  the  favour  of  you  to  pay  some  bills. 
I  have  enclosed  them  to  my  father  for  you, 
hearing  there  must  not  be  any  double  Letters 
directed  to  you.  I  have  also  writ  to  my  father 
to  pay  you  ,£45.  .  .  . 

I  can  entertain  you  with  nothing  from  hence, 
not  being  at  the  Assembly  yesterday,  but  there 
was  much  company.  Mrs.  ffytch  hopes  you 
will  come  down  to  the  last,  which  is  Thursday 
senight.  I  am  glad  to  hear  Bro  :  Byng  is  going 
to  devert  himself  at  the  Bath  while  the  Hurry  of 
removing  is  over  in  Albermarle  Street.  I  am  in 
great  hopes  of  bringing  my  Cause  to  a  hearing 
this  Term,  and  Mr.  Bramston  who  is  my  Clerk 
in  Chancery  thinks  there  is  great  reason  to 
believe  the  Mortgage  will  not  be  proved  to  be 
a  good  one.  My  money  is  at  last  put  out  on 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  33 

Bank  Anuitys,  so  by  degrees  I  get  but  slowly 
forward.      I    may  hope  a  little   time   more   will 
make  me  easy.     All  here  are   much  your  Ser- 
vants, but  none  with  more  Truth  than 
yr  affect.  Sistr  and 

oblidged  humble  Serv', 

S.  OSBORN. 

I  heartily  rejoyce  to  hear  Jacky  is  a  Lieut. 
I  hope  it  does  not  want  confirmation.  Let  me 
know  if  it  is  certainly  so,  or  only  supposition. 


LETTER  x. 

SOUTHILL,  May  17,  1726. 

I  must  trouble  dear  Brother  Robin  with  thanks 
for  your  last  Letter,  and  glad  the  Yorkshire 
money  is  in  your  hands ;  for  by  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Theed,  I  hear  the  Dean  of  York  is  come  to 
town,  and  the  Life  is  now  to  be  renewd  imedi- 
atly,  and  I  am  to  pay  six  hundered  and  twenty- 
three  pounds  for  the  new  one  he  grants  me.  In 
the  first  place  we  have  a  dificulty  who  he  is  to 
grant  it  too,  Sir  Danvers  being  a  minor  it  cannot 
be  to  him.  I  may  marry  again  and  therefore  tis 
not  thought  proper  to  grant  it  to  me,  and  there- 
fore Mr.  Theed  has  desired  me  to  consider  of 
two  people  I  can  trust  to  have  it  granted  to  them. 
I  have  chose  your  self  and  Thorny  Osborn,  and 
hope  you  will  give  me  leave  to  do  so,  because  it  is 


34          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

not  safe  to  have  it  granted  to  any  but  those  that 
are  just  and  honest,  so  hope  you  will  have  no 
objection  ...  it  being  not  to  give  you  any 
trouble  more  than  to  make  use  of  your  name, 
and  upon  any  occasion  of  surrendering  it  up  to 
have  another  Life  renewd,  it  must  be  done  by 
you. 

The  next  dificulty  I  am  under  is  to  raise  the 
sum  of  ^623,  for  by  my  paper  enclosed  you  have 
but  ^441  in  your  hands.  I  did  not  imagine  this 
money  would  be  wanted  till  I  had  received  New- 
gate Market  rents,  so  that  what  to  do  for  ye  ^181 
I  know  not.  I  have  writ  to  Aunt  Lucy  to  try 
to  borow  it  upon  a  pressing  ocasion.  All  the 
favour  I  ask  of  you  is  to  answer  the  whole  sum 
when  it  is  demanded  of  Theed.  I  will  take  care 
you  shall  be  repaid  in  less  than  a  week  ...  do 
not  let  me  loose  my  credit  in  not  having  the 
payment  answerd,  for  I  have  orderd  Theed  to 
draw  upon  you  for  ^623  whenever  the  Dean  is 
ready  to  sign.  Pray  let  me  have  two  words  from 
you  by  next  post.  I  am  always  in  that  unhappy 
state  to  be  wanting  favours,  and  never  in  a 
Capacity  to  return  them.  I  hope  I  shall  soon 
overcome  all  my  dificulty  that  I  may  not  be 
such  a  continual  trouble  to  my  friends.  If  you 
excuse  this  you  will  infinitly  oblidge 
your  most  affect.  Sister  and 

oblidged  humble  Serv', 

S.  OSBORN. 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  35 

LETTER  xi. 

[Pattee  Byng  had  married,  in  1724,  Lady  Charlotte 
Montagu,  which  explains  why  she  speaks  of  Kimbolton 
as  her  brother's  home.] 


SOUTHILL,  /&/y  12,  1726. 

I  have  not  had  the  pleasure  a  great  while  of  a 
line  from  dear  brother  Robin,  and  hope  that  by 
this  time  that  part  of  the  money  is  repaid  to  you, 
but  I  have  spent  a  fortnight  at  Kimbolton,  my 
brothers  home,  which  hindered  me  writing  or 
hearing  of  Bussiness.  .  .  . 

My  brother  Byng  and  myself  spent  our  time 
very  agreably  at  Kimbolton,  which  is  the  finest 
house  and  Park  I  have  ever  seen,  tho  not  con- 
tented with  enjoying  that  alone,  we  went  to  see 
several  other  places,  Boughton,  which  is  the 
Duke  of  Mountagues,  and  Drayton,  Lady  Betty 
Jermains,  both  in  Northamptonshire.  The  first 
was  a  prodigious  building  and  great  designes 
were  formed  by  the  late  Duke,  who  only  finishd 
one  ffront.  The  gardens  and  Wood  is  certainly 
fine,  but  I  think  wants  variety,  being  all  an  entire 
deep  shade  with  fine  Lime  trees  and  grass  walks. 
We  saw  it  to  much  disadvantage,  the  Bridge 
being  broak  that  we  could  not  see  the  Water- 
works which  they  say  are  fine  ;  and  indeed  the 
Gardens  and  House  are  both  ill  kept,  the  Duke 
not  being  there  above  a  fortnight  in  2  or  3  year, 


o 


6          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 


and  all  the  furniture  except  fine  family  pictures  is 
taken  down  for  other  houses. 

Drayton  is  an  old  house  that  pleases  me  very 
well,  built  with  Towers,  not  regular  within,  but  fine 
Galereys,  and  a  very  agreable  place  if  it  were  not 
so  dull  looking. 

My  Brother  and  the  Duke  spent  two  days 
abroad  without  us;  went  with  Sir  Wm  and  Sir 
Gilbert  Pickering  to  Whitlesey  mere  a  fyshing 
in  a  Yatch.  The  weather  proved  fine  and  they 
came  home  well  pleased  with  their  expedition 
which  seldome  happens  when  it  is  proposed, 
It  is  a  Lake  in  Huntingtonshire,  22  miles  round, 
and  the  narrowest  place  over  it  is  4  mile  broad, 
so  that  tis  a  perfect  Sea.  There  is  Cuts  that  run 
from  it  down  to  Lyn,  and  so  into  the  sea. 

Since  we  came  home,  which  was  last  Wednes- 
day, have  been  in  a  continual  hurry.  Thursday 
by  invitation  dined  at  the  Duke  of  Kents. 
Fryday  we  were  dressd  and  in  the  Coach  to 
go  to  Ld  ffitzwilliams,  but  rain  prevented  us. 
Saturday  we  was  to  wait  on  our  new  neighbour, 
Mrs.  Beacher.  She  was  a  good  fortune  tho  a 
Brewer's  daughter  at  Hackney,  so  you  may 
imagine  she  is  nothing  extraordinary,  but  Mr. 
Beacher  will  have  money  to  build  a  new  house, 
and  those  are,  they  say,  the  chiefe  ingredients 
towards  a  happy  life. 

Sunday  we  was  again  dressd,  but  the  rain 
prevented  our  going  to  Ampthill.  Yesterday 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  37 

we  had  the  Duke  and  Dutches  of  Kent  and  Mr. 
Cole  with  them,  also  the  Herveys,  and  this  day 
are  for  the  third  time  to  dress  for  Ampthill,  and 
now  I  have  given  you  a  short  account  of  our 
time.  I  must  only  ad  the  humble  Service  of  all 
here  to  you  and  ashure  you  I  am, 

Dear  Brother  Robin, 
most  affect,  sister  and  humble  Serv1, 

S.  OSBORN. 

I  should  think  it  impossible  for  Uncle  Byng  to 
hold  a  month  longer,  it  is  not  to  be  expressed 
what  he  endures,  a  most  melancholy  end,  poor 
man,  he  makes,  and  every  day  one  wishes  might 
be  his  last.  Saturday  nobody  expected  he  could 
have  outlivd,  fell  into  great  passions  of  tears, 
and  took  leave  of  his  family  with  recommending 
the  care  of  them  to  my  father.  Indeed  she  has  a 
miserable  time  of  it,  and  night  and  day  is  nursing 
him,  nobody  in  the  world  can  take  more  care  of 
a  man  then  she  does  of  him,  and  one  should  have 
thought  nothing  but  the  most  sincere  affection 
could  have  supported  any  one  to  go  through 
what  she  does,  but  hers  sure  must  be  compassion. 

LETTER  xn. 

SOUTHILL,  Oct.  25,  1726. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — The  post  I  had  the  favour  of 
a  Letter  from  you  brought  us  the  agreeable  news 
of  your  good  fortune  in  the  Lottery  (which,  tho 


38          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

a  Trifle)  yet  fear  it  is  not  true  since  you  did  not 
confirm  it  by  your  letter.  Mrs.  Byng  who  heard 
the  number  read  told  us  it  was  my  Brother 
George  who  had  that  good  fortune.  I  wish 
George  very  well,  but  when  I  consider  it  is  but 
one  main  and  tis  gone,  I  rather  hope  tis  your 
own,  and  hope  soon  to  have  the  satisfaction 
of  hearing  from  you  that  it  is  so. 

To-day  my  Brother  Byng  is  going  to  Bedford 
when  there  is  to  be  a  very  great  meeting  of  all 
the  gentlemen  in  this  County,  the  Secret  History 
of  which  is  that  last  week  there  came  the  Servant 
of  the  Bell  Inn  at  Bedford  who  went  round  to  all 
the  gentlemen,  Dukes  and  Lords  without  dis- 
tinction, with  the  Duke  of  Bedford's  service  and 
to  desire  their  Company  to  meet  him  at  ye  Bell  at 
Bedford  tomorow.  This  mesage  coming  by  such 
a  messenger,  startled  every  one,  and  last  week 
Sir  Rowland  Alston,  Mr.  Brown,  &c.,  came  to 
consult  my  father  what  was  to  be  done,  and  what 
was  ye  meaning  of  this  mesage,  for  beside  it  was 
also  to  a  Tory  Inn,  and  they  heard  by  the  by 
there  was  a  dessigri  on  ffoot  for  some  Propositions 
against  ye  next  Elections.  In  short  every  one 
was  under  dificultys,  so  my  father,  Bro :,  and 
several  more  of  the  Whig  gentlemen  went  last 
Thursday  to  ye  Duke  of  Kent's  to  consult  on 
this  Grand  affair,  the  Odnes  of  the  Mesenger 
will  not  permit  the  Duke  of  Kent  nor  my  father 
to  go,  but  they  agreed  by  all  means  to  have  all 


LADY    OF    THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  39 

the  others  go  and  muster  up  all  the  Whigs 
togeather  in  the  County,  as  it  is  the  first  meeting 
he  has  desired  with  the  gentlemen,  and  sent 
without  distinction  of  Party,  so  it  was  judgd 
they  should  not  make  any,  and  it  was  nessesary 
they  should  be  prepared  if  he  proposed  anybody 
to  set  up,  that  then  they  should  oppose  any  Tory 
and  name  another.  Duke  of  Kent  would  have 
had  my  Brother  Byng  stand  but  for  several 
reasons  it  is  declynd.  Beacher  will  not  be  at 
the  expense,  therefore  at  last  it  was  agreed  that 
Ongley  has  hardly  any  principles  at  least  not 
violent  if  he  is  a  Tory,  and  that  tis  nessesary 
to  court  him  and  bring  him  over  if  they  can  to 
the  Whig  Intrest. 

My  Brother  Byng  carrys  him  and  Brownsel 
and  Hervey  with  him  in  his  Coach  to  Bedford, 
and  then  is  to  carry  him  to  ye  Whig  Inn,  where 
they  will  meet  Alston,  Orlebar,  and  all  the  Whigs, 
who  are  to  propose  it  to  him  to  be  beforehand 
with  anything  that  can  be  started  by  the  Duke 
of  Bedford  who  we  hear  intends  to  have  Leigh 
and  Monox,  who  are  both  good  Tories,  but  what 
will  be  the  end  of  all  this  I  know  not,  but  think 
tis  a  shame  to  begin  already  such  treatys  for 
people  to  spend  such  a  large  share  of  money  and 
health  as  they  must  do  in  three  year.  Tis  a  sign 
Duke  Bedford  is  a  gidey  hot-headed  Creature  or 
he  would  not  delight  to  study  an  expensive  Elec- 
tion to  his  neighbours,  all  this  is  at  present  under 


40          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

ye  Rose,  but  tomorow  it  will  be  known  at  Bedford, 
and  I  thought  you  would  not  dislike  to  know  this 
affair  which  is  but  the  begining  of  greater. 

My  house  is  done  and  it  will  cost  me  ^75 
furnishing  and  all,  and  ^"30  was  the  first  sum, 
with  large  allowances  might  come  to  ^50,  and 
now  I  have  spent  pounds  must  save  shillings,  and 
I  intend  to  stay  here  as  long  as  the  family  does, 
tho  I  believe  Lady  Charlotte  has  set  fryday 
fortnight.  .  .  . 

I  have  been  thinking  if  I  could  not  have  a  little 
assistance  from  you.  I  remember  once  you  did 
scrape  up  a  little  chest  of  candles  for  Jacky  from 
the  office.  I  say  no  more,  for  if  it  neither  suits 
conscience  nor  convenience  I  do  not  ask  it. 

You  will  wonder  how  I  contrive  to  fill  such  a 
large  sheet  of  paper  where  I  have  only  left  room 
to  ashure  you  I  am,  dear  Brother, 

your  most  affect.  Sister  and 
oblidged  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  xm. 

[This  letter  is  addressed  to  Mr.  Byng  at  Compiegne.] 

SOUTHILL,  Oct.  25,  1726. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — It  is  very  oblidging  in  you  to 
give  me  the  pleasure  of  seeing  your  hand,  and 
hearing  you  were  well,  which  favour  I  received 
last  post.  Pleasure  and  Business  no  doubt  make 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  41 

great  alteration  in  spending  ones  time,  and  makes 

one  seem  to  breath  a  different  air  at  the  same 

place.     This  reflection  comes  from  thinking  last 

year  twas  all  the  former,  and  perhaps  this  year  all 

the  latter,  or  rather  a  mixture  of  the  two  that 

makes  both  agreable.     Too  much  of  one  would 

perhaps  do  one  harm,  and  too  much  of  business 

clouds  the  understanding.     I  have  had  more  of  it 

than  many  women  of  my  age.     I  own  I  now  and 

then  wish  myself  in  your  pocket,  wishing  to  know 

a  little  truth.     We  are  so  humdrum  here  that  we 

know  nothing  but  from  newspapers.     I  dont  love 

to  live  quite  so  ffree  from  the  hurry  of  the  World, 

without  any  gentlemen  with  us,  all  have  deserted 

us  this  summer.       My  father  has   not  had  time 

to  be  hear  yet,  tho  hopes  to  slip  down  next  week. 

My   brother    is   well    pleased    at    Scarborough. 

George   has   taken   pet,   and  says   he  wont   see 

us  again  this  summer,  and  at  present  dont  know 

where   he    is    ...    next   week    I    hear   he    is 

to   be   for    20    days    upon    Guard    at    Windsor. 

No  news  of  Jack  yet,  and  for  Ned  he  is  devert- 

ing   himself  at   Danbury,   till   the   Race   time  in 

Kent.     Thus  you  see  how  forlorn  we  are,  for  my 

own   part   know  nothing  more   than   conversing 

with  ffarmers,  improving  my  knowledge  in  Turnips 

and  Wheat  land  .  .  .  and  riding  out  most  evenings. 

My   mother   has   an    extream   pretty   pad   upon 

which  she  and  Mrs.  Vincent  take  turns,   for  we 

cannot  very  well  be  equipt  with  more  than  two. 


42          POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

The  Kents  went  to  the  Installation,  and  have 
not  been  down  since,  they  being  our  best  neigh- 
bours, we  miss  them  much. 

After  this  account  what  can  you  expect  from 
this  place,  especialy  when  I  consider  I  am  write- 
ing  to  Paris,  and  to  one  who  knows  more  than  we 
do  here,  and  therefore  must  not  venture  at  any 
sort  of  news,  and  for  Ilnature,  Love,  and  Envy, 
they  are  subjects  the  town  will  be  ever  full  of,  tho 
ever  so  empty  of  people,  but  as  I  never  give  in 
to  such  idle  nonsence,  nor  believe  it  would  enter- 
tain you,  I  shall  only  tell  you  I  fancy  all  is  made 
easy  again  between  Tom  and  his  Lady,  and  they 
will  not  part  as  people  was  so  malicious  to  say. 
Tis  very  hard  every  little  indiscretion  in  ffamilies 
must  give  so  much  entertainment  to  other 
people. 

Lucy  has  got  a  knack  of  writeing  fine  descrip- 
tions since  she  is  become  a  Traveller,  which 
makes,  me  doubt  of  all  ye  was  related  last  year 
from  Paris,  since  I  find  she  can  give  as  fine  an 
account  of  the  North,  and  therefore  I  shall 
imagine  all  that  is  new  and  charming  to  her. 

I  know  not  how  to  direct  to  you,  therefore  have 
took  the  liberty  to  enclose  it  to   Mr.  Walpole. 
Pray  make  my  complyments  of  excuse  to  him  for 
doing  so,  and  believe  me,  dear  Brother, 
your  most  affectionate  Sister, 

and  very  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  43 

LETTER  xiv. 

SOUTHILL,  Aug.  21,  1729. 

I  take  this  opertunity  to  welcome  you  again 
into  England  and  am  extreamly  glad  you  have 
had  a  pleasent  tour,  as  the  Ladys  say  it  has  been. 
They  are  in  great  delight  with  it,  and  have  great 
obligations  to  you  for  your  care  of  them.  I  hope 
we  shall  soon  see  you  down  here.  Pray  dont 
neglect  us  tho  it  is  not  so  fine  at  Versaills,  we  are 
now  reduced  to  a  small  family  and  hope  you  will 
not  find  any  excuse  to  forget  your  promise  of 
spending  a  little  time  with  us.  ...  Service  to 
George.  .  .  . 

your  affect.  Sister, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  xv. 

[This  letter  is  written  just  after  the  marriage  of  Mr. 
Edward  Byng  with  Miss  Bramston.] 

SOUTHILL,  Nov.  28,  1730. 

I  am  indebted  many  thanks  to  dear  Brother 
Robin  for  the  oblidging  letters  since  I  came  here. 
Your  joy  and  kind  expressions  to  Brother  Ned 
and  me  on  this  occasion  have  been  varstly  pleas- 
ing to  me  and  to  my  sister  Byng,  who  expresses 
great  esteem  for  you — she  told  me  you  had 
pleaded  hard  for  your  brother.  .  .  .  Tho  the 
newspapers  have  near  doubled  my  sister  Byngs 


44          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

fortune  in  point  of  wealth,  yet  what  is  wanting  to 
make  that  up,  is  fourfold  made  up  in  her  own 
value,  for  she  seems  of  a  sweet  disposition,  and 
formd  to  make  a  man  happy,  indeed  I  have  no 
doubt  but  they  will  make  each  other  so,  for  I 
think  he  has  many  virtues  and  is  very  good- 
naturd. 

How  long  we  stay  here  is  uncertain.  They  are 
endeavouring  to  find  a  house  fit  to  buy  for  them 
in  town,  which  would  be  best  if  it  can  be  found  at 
first,  because  of  furniture  filing  to  it,  and  Rent 
runs  away  with  what  would  purchase  on.  Their 
fortunes  will  be  but  moderate,  for  tho  she  has 
;£iooo  a  year,  yet  there  is  ten  thousand  pounds 
debt  which  must  be  paid.  I  imagine  she  will  soon 
sell  her  Estate  in  Essex  to  pay  off  that  debt,  and 
all  she  brings  beside  she  must  spend,  indeed  her 
house  will  be  his,  her  coach  his,  &c.,  but  other- 
ways  he  cannot  spend  more  than  he  did  before,  if 
so  much,  and  as  it  is  agreed  what  remains  after 
the  debts  are  paid  is  to  be  settled  on  her  self  and 
childeren,  and  in  failure  of  them  to  him  for  ever, 
but  except  that  hapens,  he  never  will  have  power 
to  touch  one  peny  more  than  the  income,  therefore 
this  was  no  great  catch  without  the  agreable 
temper  she  has  brought  with  it,  which,  as  George 
wrote  Ned  word,  is  a  jewel  whose  lustre  will 
brighten  by  wearing. 

I  doubt  your  Aunt  Molly,  as  you  call  her,  lookd 
very  sowr  at  the  news,  as  to  be  sure  all  the  Bram- 


LADY    OF  THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  45 

stons  must  do.  Her  uncle  is  intolerably  vexd, 
but  answerd  my  fathers  letter  with  civility,  tho 
has  wrote  a  very  unpleasant  one  to  her. 

I  will  not  run  on  with  more,  but  to  tell  you  we 
all  drank  your  health  yesterday  being  the  27th, 
and  if  the  winds  would  have  blowd  our  thoughts 
to  you,  it  would  have  been  to  ashure  you  of  our 
good  wishes  and  none  more  of  them  at  heart  than, 
dear  Robert, 

your  very  affect.  Sister 

and  faithfull  humble  Servf, 

S.  OSBORN. 

So  many  letters  every  post  to  bring  joys  to  us, 
that  our  whole  time  has  been  spent  in  reading  and 
answering  of  them.  This  is  near  the  thirtyeth  or 
more  I  have  made  this  week. 

LETTER  xvi. 

CHILBOLTON,  Oct.  21,  1731. 

Dear  Brother  Robin  is  very  good  to  give  me 
the  pleasure  of  a  Letter,  which  I  return  my  thanks 
for,  and  wish  I  could  say  anything  from  this  place 
which  might  make  this  worth  your  trouble  to  read. 
I  must  welcome  you  to  your  winter  quarters, 
where  I  find  you  are  all  gathered  togeather,  there- 
fore pray  disperss  my  complyments  among  them 
and  double  them  to  yourself. 

Where  is  George  ?  I  hear  nothing  of  him,  nor 
where  he  is.  If  he  is  in  good  spirits,  I  am  easy. 


46          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

You  that  are  in  the  midst  of  the  Beau  Mond 
and  think  of  nothing  but  fforeign  Dukes  &c.,  will 
not  be  entertaind  with  what  I  can  relate  from 
hence,  which  only  consists  of  the  pleasures  of  the 
ffeild,  when  last  Munday  we  were  perticulerly 
well  pleased,  for  by  invitation  we  had  Dr.  Burton, 
the  Master  of  Winchester  School  and  his  ten 
young  noblemens  sons  that  live  with  him,  for 
which  he  has  ^200  a  year  for  each,  and  is  as  a 
private  Governour  to  them,  and  they  also  have  the 
advantage  of  a  publick  school  at  the  same  time, 
which  surely  must  be  a  fine  way  of  educating 
them.  These  with  4  other  young  gentlemen  of 
the  school  met  us  in  the  ffeild  a  Hunting,  they  and 
their  attendance  and  ours  made  in  all  40  people, 
and  after  very  good  sport  all  came  home  to  dine 
here.  Indeed  I  have  not  seen  a  finer  sight  than 
these  boys  and  their  master  together. 

Ld  Deerhurst  and  his  2  Brother  Coventrys,  Ld 
Ossulston,  Lord  Brook,  Master  Duncomb  and  Sir 
Robert  Burdet,  Master  Greville,  Master  Wallop 
(Ld  Lymingtons  son),  Master  Tryon,  also  Lord 
Drumlannich  the  Duke  of  Queensberrys  son,  who 
is  under  his  peculiar  care  tho  not  in  the  house 
because  he  would  not  exceed  his  fixd  number. 
Last  week  we  spent  3  or  4  days  at  Lord  Lym- 
ingtons which  is  a  fine  place,  and  they  very 
agreable  people.  My  Lord  was  so  good  to 
engage  some  of  my  perplexd  affaires  which  are  in 
so  unhappy  a  situation  that  no  way  can  be  con- 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  47 

trived  to  settle  them  well,  but  I  hope  another 
fortnight  will  release  me  from  thinking  more  of 
them  for  this  year.  I  beg  the  favour  you  will 
give  the  enclosed  to  Aunt  Lucy,  and  that  you  will 
believe  me  with  great  truth,  dear  Brother, 
your  very  affecte  Sister 

and  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  XVH. 

[There  is  a  gap  of  nearly  two  years  between  this 
letter  and  the  foregoing  one.  During  the  year  1732, 
Sarah  made  a  tour  of  three  months  in  France  and 
Belgium  with  her  friend,  Lady  Gage,  and  the  journal 
she  kept  during  that  time  still  exists  among  her  papers 
at  Chicksands  Priory.] 

LONDON,  26  July,  1733. 

Dear  Brother  Robert  is  very  oblidging  to  let 
me  partake  of  your  devertions  and  douleurs  in 
Kent.  I  ffeel  your  situation,  but  I  think  there 
is  not  the  less  life  in  it  for  the  dull  prospect  at- 
present.  Time  and  patience  cures  all  evils.  I 
have  been  puzzeling  over  business  to  -  day  I 
wanted  to  do  before  I  leave  the  town,  but  find 
myself  less  capable  of  anything  of  that  sort  than 
in  ye  midst  of  a  feavour.  It  was  ye  stewards 
account  nessesary  to  be  passd,  but  I  am  forcd 
to  lay  them  by,  find  it  imposible  to  proceed. 
What  creatures  we  are  to  have  a  little  Illness 
alter  the  whole  fframe  !  I  shall  be  quite  malon- 


48          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

choly  to  find  myself  so  useless  if  I  do  not  mend 
very  much  in  the  country. 

I  go  to  Lord  Shannon's  a  Munday,  I  believe 
for  the  month  of  August,  but  that  depends  on 
company  they  expect  there,  but  would  not  let 
me  stay  longer  in  town,  for  which  they  are  very 
kind,  for  I  rather  loose  than  get  strength  here, 
and  yet  grow  flat.  My  acquaintance  in  town 
have  been  very  good  to  me,  I  have  not  been 
one  day  alone,  so  that  I  really  cannot  say  I 
dislike  being  here.  I  went  with  Lady  Gage  to 
Ashly  this  week,  and  returnd  in  a  chaise.  I 
thought  I  might  venture  calling  half  way  at 
Dutches  of  Cleveland's,  where  we  refreshd, 
otherways  have  not  been  out  of  my  doors  since 
mother  went  out  of  town.  There  is  no  sort  of 
chat  or  news,  you  are  in  the  gay  life,  and  I  hope 
Kent  will  answer  all  your  expectations,  which 
will  be  a  very  great  pleasure,  dear  Brother, 
to  your  affect.  Sister 

and  humble  Serv', 

S.  OSBORN. 

Bro :  George  tyerd  of  Southill,  is  going  to 
Hampton  Court  tomorovv,  not  in  waiting,  so  to 
his  lodging  there.  He  intends  for  Southill 
again  in  3  weeks. 

LETTER  xvm. 

[This  letter  is  written  just  after  the  death  of  Sarah's 
father,  Lord  Torrington,  to  whom  succeeded  her  eldest 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  49 

brother,  Pattee.  Sarah  takes  up  her  abode  chiefly  in 
London  after  this  event,  and  apparently  writes  from  town 
to  her  son,  who  is  evidently  at  Chicksands,  and  though 
only  eighteen  years  of  age,  is  now  busying  himself  with 
the  affairs  of  the  estate.] 

Der  1733. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS,  —  Mr.  Ware  will  be  with 
you  by  12  a  Clock  on  Thursday,  and  by  farther 
enquiry  of  Him  I  find  he  is  in  much  esteem,  and 
therefore  hope  he  will  prove  a  propper  person  to 
serve  you  ...  as  to  my  advertized  friend  I 
cannot  yet  be  able  to  come  at  his  character,  only 
that  he  was  heir  to  the  great  sportsman  fframpton, 
who  left  him  ^800  ...  as  you  say,  Mr. 
fframpton  will  have  his  choice  of  ffarms,  for  ten 
people  where  I  was  the  other  day  was  enquiring 
after  him,  and  vext  he  advertized,  but  one  day  I 
put  them  all  in  an  uproar  by  telling  them  I  had 
sent  after  him  and  seen  him.  They  all  beggd  if 
he  did  not.  succed  in  you  that  I  would  let  them 
know.  .  .  .  You  would  have  laughd  to  have 
seen  everyones  distresses  unfolded.  One  cryd  "  I 
have  a  ffarm  has  lain  on  my  hands  this  2  year  of 
,£180,  and  have  not  recd  a  shilling,"  another  one 
of  ^140,  another  2  ffarms,  and  so  on  till  ten  had 
declared  to  the  same  effect.  This  has  convinced 
me  that  you  have  no  worse  luck  than  others. 
They  were  all  so  eager  after  this  man,  that  they 
could  not  agree  who  should  have  the  prefference, 

.  .  .  and  if  he  does  not  take  yr  ffarm,  ...   I  shall 

D 


5O  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL  LETTERS    OF  A 

nevertheless  be  curious  to  know  who  is  the  lucky 
or  unlucky  person  who  gets  him.  Mr.  Nicolson 
is  a  gentleman  ffarmer  that  assists  Mr.  ffytch 
with  his  advice  and  lives  in  the  neighbourhood, 
and  one  to  whom  we  have  given  a  little  present 
of  Wine  for  asisting  us  sometimes,  .  .  .  and  there- 
fore a  very  propper  person  to  give  advice  what 
you  should  do.  .  .  . 

Brandy,  lemons,  knives,  a  copper  pot  and 
Jack  goes  tomorow.  Taylor  says  muggs,  punch- 
bowls, and  glasses  are  to  be  had  at  Shefford. 
There  is  no  occasion  to  give  2  sorts  of  wine. 
I  hope  the  basket  I  sent  a  Satterday  got  safe. 
Emertons  people  were  like  all  other,  very  teazing, 
and  sent  you  down  the  wrong  colours.  .  .  .  To 
be  sure  you  ought  to  have  an  Ace1  of  all  wheat, 
butter,  pidgeons,  and  everything  how  sold,  and 
what  proffits,  and  not  he  pay  y«  rent  and  give 
you  no  farther  account.  ...  I  believe  before  this 
ffarm  he  was  a  very  honest  man,  but  this  either 
by  temptation  or  stupidity  has  very  much  alterd 
his  conduct.  I  am  quite  in  a  Wood  and  very 
ignorant  in  his  ffarming  Ace',  however  I  shall 
endeavour  to  state  it  all  in  a  regular  way,  and 
then  you  must  consider  the  Accounts  before  they 
are  passJ,  and  I  believe  you  and  I  should  be 
shut  up  some  hours  together  before  they  can  be 
so.  I  do  assure  you  I  am  quite  out  of  my  depth, 
and  must  have  yr  assistance. 

I  am  told  if  yr  walls  are  not  thorough  dry  your 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  51 

paper  will  be  quite  spoyld,  and  if  they  are  dry  the 
best  way  is  to  put  the  paper  to  the  walls  without 
any  liming,  if  the  walls  are  only  one  ruff  cote  and, 
not  whited,  but  if  they  are  whited,  it  will  not  do 
so.  ...  This  is  a  good  scheme  to  save  expence, 
and  I  am  ashured  'tis  by  much  the  best  way 
where  there  is  wall. 

I  know  not  if  Brother  George  jokes,  therefore 
say  nothing  that  I  may  not  be  bitt,  but  he  yester- 
day assured  me  upon  his  honour  that  he  had  it 
from  good  hands  that  Brother  Robert  is  appointed 
Gouvenor  of  Barbadoes,  which  is  ^"1200  a  year 
paid  by  ye  Govm1  here  and  ^3000  by  the  Island. 
I  wish  it  may  be  true,  tho  sorry  we  must  loose 
him.  If  this  is  really  so  we  must  think  if  he  can 
provide  some  maintenance  there  for  yr  Uncle 
Robert  (Osborn),  if  he  can  be  prevaild  upon  to 
go  there.  Posibly  a  new  Clymate  and  a  distance 
from  his  odious  acquaintance  may  make  him 
become  a  new  man.  He  has  sense  if  he  would 
make  use  of  it,  and  I  am  never  without  hopes 
where  there  is  that  ingredient,  for  at  one  time  or 
other  in  Life  it  predominates  over  ye  Passions. 

I  hope  you  burn  or  lock  up  my  letters,  for  I 
should  be  prodigious  sorry  anyone  should  know 
I  pretend  to  offer  my  oppinion  to  you,  what  is 
between  ourselves  goes  for  nothing,  and  you 
are  so  good  to  take  it  as  purely  from  affec- 
tion, but  a  mother  is  the  last  person  that 
other  people  will  allow  the  previlidge,  and  there- 


52  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL  LETTERS    OF   A 

fore  whatever  she  says  should  dye  in  your  own 
breast 

LETTER  xix. 

April  1734. 

All  the  advice  Danvers  met  with  when  he  was 
in  London  was  not  for  his  advantage,  and  fearing 
he  should  not  be  a  man  soon  enough,  those  ways 
never  fail  to  have  their  effect,  and  whenever  he 
returns,  is  some  time  before  he  can  setle  again. 
I  have  heard  ffrom  Mr.  Charles  that  he  has  kept 
very  ill  hours  ever  since  he  went  down,  and  con- 
sequently cannot  study  next  day,  but  makes  him 
very  indolent.  Two  o'clock  in  the  morning  is 
very  improper  hours,  and  therefore  I  should  be 
much  oblidged  to  you  to  give  half  an  hour  of 
your  time  to  write  a  litle  good  advice  to  him. 
You  may  tell  him  that  you  met  with  a  person 
who  came  from  Cambridge  of  whome  you  en- 
quired and  that  they  told  you  of  his  bad  hours, 
and  therefore  that  the  ill  consequences  that  must 
produce  has  made  you  write  to  him  on  that 
subject,  and  that  you  imagine  I  know  nothing 
of  it,  and  say  somthing  to  encourage  him  to 
take  Mr.  Charles  advice,  for  if  he  does  not  find 
the  men  of  the  family  have  an  opinion  of  him, 
he  will  have  less  and  less  regard  for  him  (Mr. 
Charles)  every  day,  which  will  be  very  unhappy. 
I  will  not  keep  the  news  longer,  and  this  hint  is 
enough,  and  I  shall  be  much  oblidged  if  you  will 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  53 

be  so  good  to  write  this  post  if  you  have  time. 
They  think  women  and  parsons  dont  know  the 
world,  and  that  it  is  manly  to  keep  such  hours. 
I  can  only  ad  that  I  am, 

yr  very  affect.  Sister  and  humble  Serv1, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  xx. 

[This  letter  is  written  to  Mr.  Robert  Byng  just  after 
his  marriage  with  Miss  Forward.] 

CONDUIT  STREET,  27  April  1734. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — After  hoping  you  had  a 
pleasent  journey  to  Plymouth,  and  that  all  things 
there  appear  to  your  satisfaction,  I  give  myself 
the  pleasure  of  conveying  my  good  wishes  to  you, 
and  imagining  you  will  be  glad  to  hear  how  things 
go  here.  I  send  you  the  Ace1  of  our  County 
Election,  which  came  on  last  Wednesday.  Votes 
for  Spencer  were  1351,  Alston  1287,  Leigh  1020, 
by  which  you  will  see  Spencer  had  even  a  greater 
majority  than  my  Brother  when  he  stood,  and 
that  was  recond  a  very  great  one.  .  .  .  The 
populace  of  Bedford  are  most  discontented  at 
having  no  opposition  for  the  town,  and  by  this 
time  it  is  determind  if  Sir  Roger  Burgoine  and 
Mr.  Beacher  opposed  them,  the  Election  was  to 
be  yesterday,  and  there  was  schemes  to  make 
that  matter  bear,  tho'  posibly  without  much  hopes 
of  succeeding,  the  return  being  doubtfull.  I  am 


54          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

impatient  to  hear  how  it  has  gone.  If  they  suc- 
ceed, I  shall  think  it  a  masterpeice.  .  .  .  Now  I 
must  tell  you  the  long  expected  match  of  Lady 
Ffany  Pierpoint  and  Phill  Meadows  was  con- 
cluded last  Tuesday  from  the  Opera.  She  pre- 
tended to  be  ill  and  went  out,  neither  servants  nor 
chair  of  her  own  could  be  found  at  that  time,  and 
so  in  a  hack  chair  she  went  dirictly  to  Lady 
Meadows  in  Priory  Garden,  where  was  Parson, 
Licence,  Husband,  and  all  ready.  Next  day  he 
and  she  went  out  of  town  to  his  sister  Bulstrodes 
at  Hounslough.  She  was  of  age  the  day  before, 
and  has  given  herself  and  ^20,000  entirely  to 
him.  I  hope  she  will  be  as  honourably  dealt 
with  in  relation  to  the  settlement  of  her  fortune, 
as  some  people  you  have  been  concernd  for. 

There  is  not  any  news  yet  come  of  the  arrival 
of  the  Prince  and  Princess1  of  Orange  in  Hollond. 
The  wind  is  against  leting  us  know  soon.  There 
is  no  doubt  they  got  there  safe,  and  glad  he  is,  I 
am  sure,  to  set  his  foot  on  his  own  land  again. 
They  talk  of  the  Prince  of  Orange  going  to  the 
Rhine,  a  volunteer  only,  if  that  is  so  he  has 
promised  the  King  and  Queen  that  the  Princess 
Royal  shall  make  them  a  visit.  It  is  to  be  in  two 
months,  and  has  been  a  sugar  plumb  that  has  had 
the  desired  effect,  for  everyone  concernd  in  their 
voyage  has  had  faith  to  believe  it,  tho  I  believe 
none  else  can,  at  least  it  is  very  improbable. 
1  Eldest  daughter  of  George  II. 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  55 

It  made  them  all  go  chearfull,  when  from  thinking 
not  to  see  England  in  years,  that  they  expected 
now  to  return  in  two  months.  The  king  said  he 
would  send  his  yatchs  upon  the  first  notice  for 
her,  and  take  care  she  should  be  back  again  to 
meet  him  at  his  return  from  ye  Rhine.  There  is 
orders  given  to  buy  horses  for  her  to  hunt  when 
the  season  comes,  they  are  then  to  be  at  Hampton 
Court.  So  all  this  looks  serious,  and  the  Queen 
talks  of  it  with  great  pleasure. 

The  town  is  a  desart,  looks  like  July.  How  is 
it  posible  to  think  it  April,  it  has  not  been  so  in 
this  month  in  anyones  memory. 

I  am  with  great  truth,  dear  Brother  Robert,       ; 
your  very  affec*  Sister 

and  humble  Servant, 

S.  OSBORN. 

LETTER  xxi. 

[Four  years  elapse  before  the  next  letter  of  Sarah's 
is  written.  In  the  year  1736  Sir  Danvers  attained  his 
majority.  The  present  letter  is  full  of  details  of  house- 
keeping and  the  cost  of  living,  which  it  is  interesting  to 
compare  with  the  present  day.] 

SAVILE  STREET,  1738. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — I  have  wrote  so  many 
Epistles  to  you  this  week,  that  now  I  think  there 
is  nothing  left  to  say  on  your  own  affaires,  and 
therefore  I  have  set  down  to  consider  what  you 


56  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS  OF   A 

desired  me  to  do  some  time  ago.  'Tis  a  subject 
quite  disagreeable,  since  I  cannot  endure  to  think 
of  your  being  at  any  expence  with  me,  only  when 
I  think  again,  it  is  if  I  do  not  come  to  some 
calculation  you  will  never  esteem  my  House  your 
own,  and  I  cannot  be  easy  if  that  is  not  so,  for  I 
must  desire  you  to  look  upon  it  entirely  in  that 
light,  and  to  come  and  go  and  do  in  it  exactly  the 
same  as  if  I  was  out  of  it,  and  be  without  the 
least  constraint  or  formality  in  any  one  perticuler. 
You  must  believe  this  sincere  when  you  reflect 
that  all  the  satisfaction  I  can  enjoy  centers  in 
yourself,  and  consequently  can  never  be  so  happy 
as  when  it  is  in  my  power  to  contribute  towards 
your  ease, — but  to  the  point. 

The  first  thing  I  lay  down  is  that  for  2  or  3 
year  to  come  you  will  enjoy  a  single  life  by  being 
here  and  there  and  everywhere,  therefore  I  would 
put  this  affair  in  a  method  that  you  should  never 
be  at  expence  here  but  when  you  are  actualy 
here,  and  so  always  carry  your  expence  with  you. 

The  whole  of  the  affair  is  this,  that  when  I  live 
by  myself  I  generaly  spend  in  what  I  call  house- 
keeping, which  is  only  eatables,  30  shillings  a 
week.  If  company  or  any  unforseen  thing  happens 
it  encreases  according  to  that,  but  never  is  under, 
so  that  I  recon  myself  and  five  Servants  at  that 
rate,  exclusive  of  Beer,  Coals,  Candles,  Tea,  Coffee, 
Sugar,  Wine,  and  several  other  articles  which  slip 
in  to  Housekeeping. 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  57 

When  I  live  alone  I  only  have  a  slice  of  the 
Servants  joynt  without  any  adition  whatever,  but 
that  cannot  be  if  any  one  person  is  with  me,  and 
whenever  you  have  been  at  home  it  has  seldome 
been  under  ^4  a  week,  therefore  I  recon  one 
week  with  another  it  will  generaly  come  there- 
abouts, for  I  recon  you  will  have  two  servants 
here,  but  have  more  or  less,  you  will  only  be  at 
the  expence  you  bring  with  you. 

Now  consider  in  what  light  you  would  choose 
to  put  it.  I  am  uneasy  for  fear  I  may  not  do  it 
in  that  w*  you  approve,  and  that  you  will  by 
complysance  assent.  I  beg  it  may  be  not  so. 
Be  ffree  and  sincere  in  your  Answer,  as  I  am  in 
my  proposal,  which  is,  that  the  fewer  articles  and 
trouble  you  have  the  better.  And  I  was  thinking 
the  expence  of  Coals,  Candles,  Beer,  Washing, 
&c.,  would  be  endless  to  devide,  therefore  supose 
all  these  articles  sunk,  and  insted  of  them  you 
make  the  table  when  you  are  in  town,  your  own. 
I  fear  you  will  think  upon  first  sight  of  this,  that 
I  am  unreasonable,  in  proposing  you  should  keep 
me  and  my  five  servants  when  you  are  here,  but 
upon  second  thoughts  .  .  .  you  will  conclude  I  do 
it  in  this  method  that  you  may  never  have  any 
reconings  but  the  weekly  account,  and  that  only 
when  you  are  here  for  any  time,  and  hope  you 
will  give  me  leave  to  treat  you  with  my  own 
short  Commons,  when  only  a  few  days  call  you  to 
town,  then  when  the  table  is  your  own,  you  may 


58  POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF   A 

live  better  or  worse  as  you  like,  invite  what  Com- 
pany you  please,  and  nothing  can  make  you  more 
Master  of  this  house  than  the  table  being  your 
own,  with  a  Housekeeper  who  will  take  all  the 
care  posible  to  have  it  ffrugal  to  your  mind.  If 
you  rather  choose  I  should  put  in  ye  30  shillings 
a  week  in  ye  house  purse,  it  will  be  equal  to  me, 
and  I  will  then  endeavour  to  devide  the  other 
articles.  Why  I  ad  washing  to  them  is  that  when 
you  are  at  home,  I  always  wash  table  linnen  and 
sheets  abroad.  I  hope  I  have  explained  it  so 
that  you  understand.  I  pay  for  everything  but 
the  dirict  housekeeping  weekly  book,  which  will 
come  to  ^4  a  week,  wch  is  however  cheaper 
than  you  could  be  at  any  scrub  lodging,  and 
ye  Servants  at  Board  Wages,  and  from  this  time 
I  desire  it  may  no  more  be  caled  my  House  but 
your  own. 

As  soon  as  the  great  Sheffbrd  wagon  drove 
from  this  door  a  Wed.  there  came  the  great 
Winchester  wagon  with  a  hogshed  of  2  year  old 
Port  wine  between  me  and  my  mother.  If  it 
should  answer,  and  they  generaly  have  good 
wine  at  Southampton,  I  will  have  a  larger  stock, 
for  Port  is  all  I  pretend  to,  and  therefore  would  if 
posible  have  it  in  perfection.  By  all  means  write 
again  to  the  Duke  of  Beaufort,  and  take  the 
liberty  to  remind  him  that  the  years  Interest 
was  due  the  igth  of  last  month,  that  you  have 
engaged  to  pay  ^300  the  24th  of  this  month,  and 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  59 

depend  upon  his  being  so  good  to  order  the  pay- 
ment of  against  that  day,  and  should  be  oblidged 
for  answer  at  Lord  Torringtons,  Southill,  Biggies- 
wade,  Beds.  I  hope  Brother  George  got  down 
well  this  terrible  day.  I  pitty  poor  Jack  and 
more  ye  Chester  in  ye  downs.  The  wind  is  quite 
frightfull. 

My  duty  and  complyments  to  all, 

your  truly  affect.  Mother, 

S.  O. 

They  say  Sir  Orlando  is  taken  by  Mr. 
Edwards,  one  of  his  creditors,  and  bringing  up  to 
ye  Fleet  prison.  Twas  madness  he  did  not  go 
abroad  after  he  was  discovered.  There  is  a 
severe  criticism  on  Popes  Essay  on  Man. 

LETTER  xxu. 

December  26,  1738. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — My  head  is  so  full  of  what 
Brother  George  told  me  yesterday,  that  I  cannot 
help  sending  you  my  joy,  for  tho  there  is  many 
disagreeable  things  in  it,  yet  the  main  must  be 
considerd.  He  declard  to  me  upon  his  honour 
that  he  had  it  from  very  good  authority  and 
out  of  Sir  Charles  Wade's  house  that  you  were 
appointed  Governor  of  Barbadoes.  If  this  is  so, 
why  should  you  deny  your  ffriends  the  pleasure 
of  hearing  what  must  please  them,  if  it  does  you  ? 
I  dont  let  it  go  out  of  my  lips  to  any  one,  but  he 


6O          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL  LETTERS    OF   A 

told  it  at  Stuckley's,  and  was  so  serious  that  we 
all  bile  at  it.  Sister  Byng  assured  me  it  was  no 
jist,  he  told  us  all  perticlers,  that  you  have  it  in  a 
very  handsome  manner,  without  any  clog  upon 
you.  Stuckley  in  a  moment  was  thinking  who  to 
send  with  you,  and  I  imediatly  was  thinking  how 
I  could  serve  you  here,  and  take  care  of  your 
eldest  son  in  your  absense.  It  has  so  engrossed 
my  thoughts  that  it  spoylt  my  devotion  yesterday. 
Pray  answer  this  letter  next  post,  and  with  my 
complyments  to  you  all,  I  am, 

yr  very  affect.  Sister 

and  humble  Servant, 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xxin. 

[This  is  the  last  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  Robert  Byng. 
He  died  the  following  year.] 

CHICKS ANDS,  January  30,  1739. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — Many  thanks  for  a  cargo 
of  paper  come  a  Thursday.  Unreasonable  con- 
sciences are  still  asking,  if  it  is  not  too  late  for 
your  almanacks,  I  should  be  oblidged  to  you  for 
one,  and  a  large  ruler,  with  pencils,  a  little  red 
Ink,  a  little  Pounce,  a  piece  of  tape,  for  I  am 
much  employd  at  present  in  what  I  am  distressd 
for  these  things,  and  can  get  nothing  here,  not  so 
much  as  a  penknife  to  scratch.  .  .  .  And  if  any 
of  your  clerks  are  at  leisure,  could  you  employ 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  6 1 

one  to  rule  twenty  sheets  of  the  enclosed  large 
paper.  ...  I  am  ashamed  of  all  these  troubles 
we  give  you.  My  son  ...  is  frighted  at  borrow- 
ing money  and  mortgaging,  and  therefore  is  most 
inclynd  to  what  is  a  certainty,  tho  in  ye  end  not 
so  proffitable.  You  are  very  oblidging  to  think 
so  much  for  him  when  you  have  so  many  material 
affaires  of  your  own  to  take  up  your  mind,  wh  : 
I  hope  will  prove  to  your  satisfaction  and  ad- 
vantage. Be  assured  in  anything  Danvers  or 
I  can  serve  you  in  your  absense,  that  you  may 
depend  upon  our  best  care,  therefore  in  all  yr 
schemes  take  it  for  granted  we  are  ready  to  obey 
your  orders,  and  shall  do  it  with  pleasure,  beside 
the  natural  affection  and  regard  I  must  always 
have  for  you  and  yours,  you  have  a  strong  claim 
to  all  our  concern  from  the  obligations  we  have 
received  from  you,  and  which  we  both  gratefully 
acknowledg.  My  Brother  Torrington  came  down 
Sunday,  dind  here  yesterday,  goes  to  London 
tomorow.  He  says  Henry  Osborn  goes  to 
Guinea  and  Jack  with  you  to  Barbadoes,  and 
may  be  worth  his  while  from  a  good  understand- 
ing between  the  Governor  and  his  brother :  if 
that  is  so,  tis  very  well,  otherways  methinks  you 
are  all  agoing  from  us,  but  I  dare  not  reflect  too 
much  on  the  disagreable  part,  therefore  will  stop 
on  that  subject.  Can  you  spare  two  days  when 
ye  coach  comes  for  me  ?  I  desired  Lucy  to 
propose  it,  and  do  as  it  suits  you.  I  would 


62  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

have  gone  up  with  Brother  Torn  tomorow,  but 
Danvers  desired  I  would  stay  a  little  longer.  He 
finds  a  woman  nessesary  in  a  house,  which  I 
hope  will  inclyne  him  in  due  time  to  think  of  a 
companion  for  himself. 

Lady  Ann  Lumley  I  hear  is  to  be  married  this 
week,  and  Lady  Ann  Montagu  to  succeed  her  as 
Lady  of  the  Bedchamber.  Lord  Halifax  is 
lucky  to  get  rid  of  two  daughters  so  soon.  My 
compliments  attend  Sister  Byng  and  yourself, 
dear  Bro : 

yr  most  affec.  Sis.  and  faithfull  Serv1, 

S.  O. 

Send  us  a  litle  parliamy  news  if  any  worth 
pening. 

LETTER  xxiv. 

[The  next  twenty-four  letters  are  all  addressed  to  Sir 
Danvers  Osborn.  The  French  Bureau  described  in  this 
letter  is  still  at  Chicksands  Priory.  The  Duke  of 
Manchester  here  mentioned  was  the  second  Duke  of 
that  name,  who  had  married  the  Duke  of  Montagu's 
daughter.  The  Duchess  of  Marlborough  Mrs.  Osborn 
speaks  of,  was  the  widow  of  John,  the  hero  of  Blenheim 
Ramilies,  etc.] 

SAVILE  STREET,  October  27,  1739. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — I  much  long  to  hear  from 
you  that  your  cold  is  gone,  and  as  Lord  Halifax 
comes  to-day,  and  the  Ladys  next  week,  I  shall 
hope  to  hear  you  have  Dr.  Crane  with  you.  My 


LADY    OF   THE  EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.    '       63 

heart  akes  when  I  think  how  low  spirited  you  are 
there  by  yourself. 

The  Wind  I  doubt  changd  too  soon  for  Brother 
Robert,  it  is  feard  they  are  blowd  into  Plymouth. 
I  had  a  letter  from  him  dated  Munday  morning 
at  8  o'clock.  They  were  then  going  through  the 
Needles,  and  if  the  Wind  lasted  two  days,  hoped 
to  loose  sight  of  Land,  but  I  fear  it  changd 
Tuesday  morning. 

I  have  ruind  you  by  buying  the  very  handsome 
ffrench  Bureau.  Lord  Essex  I  believe  bid 
against  us,  and  therefore  brought  it  up  to  twenty 
guineas,  and  we  bid  tother  crown,  and  had  it.  It 
is  now  in  my  parlour,  and  I  cannot  grudg  the 
money  since  it  is  an  extream  handsome  one,  and 
you  could  have  had  no  English  Bureau  under 
£16  or  .£17,  but  if  you  do  not  care  for  it,  I  can 
part  with  it  for  what  I  gave.  Tis  tortoiseshell 
inlaid  very  fine  with  brass,  and  wants  no  sort  of 
repair,  it  is  the  same  sort  of  what  stands  in  the 
two  Piers  at  Lord  Carterets.  This  is  very  fine 
and  large  of  the  sort.  .  .  . 

I  hope  you  had  oysters  last  week  ?  Would 
you  have  them  once  a  week  or  fortnight  ? 

I  send  you  "  Common  Sense "  to  shew  the 
spirit  designd.  One  was  sure  the  case  would 
turn  out  so,  where  party  rage  must  guide. 

Lord  Robert  Montagu  and  Dutches  Man- 
chester came  to  town  together  last  Wednesday. 
She  went  dirictly  to  Dutches  Marlborough,  who 


64  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF    A 

had  prepard  an  Apartment  to  receive  her  when- 
ever it  happend.  I  saw  a  Lady  yesterday,  came 
piping  hot  from  thence,  left  the  old  Dutches  at 
cards,  and  exercising  her  Witt  on  ye  poor  Duke's 
will,  commends  the  Dutches  who  is  in  high  favour 
at  present,  she  has  talkd  so  sensible  and  propper 
on  the  occasion.  She  is  charmd  with  her,  but  the 
Will  is  her  whole  redicule,  and  since  it  is  so,  tis 
pitty  he  named  his  Dutches  in  it.  He  has  left 
her  ^300  for  mourning,  which  is  not  3  pence,  her 
watch  and  jewels  for  life,  and  after  to  his  brother. 
This  is  set  out  by  saying  ye  watch  cost  I  forget 
what,  when  she  married  in  her  youth.  She  has 
broke  it  and  changd  it  away  for  one  that  cost  but 
£14.  The  baubels  of  jewels  are  set  in  the  same 
light,  but  the  great  Joke  of  all  is  the  Sedan  chair, 
which  cost  ^30  at  her  weding,  and  now  not 
worth  ^4.  The  furniture  of  the  two  rooms 
which  the  Dutches  of  Marlborough  had  given  her 
was  not  treated  with  so  much  contempt,  but  calld 
a  "few  old  goods." 

This  is  the  whole  left  the  Dutches,  he  has 
left  everything  in  Lord  Roberts  favour,  being 
sole  executor,  not  a  farden  to  his  sisters,  not 
even  mourning,  which  is  a  litle  hard  on  them. 
/"2  5,000  in  money  is  ordered  to  be  laid  out  in 
Land  in  Huntingtonshire,  and  entaild  on  with  the 
Estate.  Half  a  years  wages  to  all  his  servants, 
and  nothing  left  to  anybody  beside.  Dutches 
Marlborough  says  he  has  left  his  Dutches  and  all 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  65 

his  Servts  a  half  years  wages,  for  £300  was  half  a 
year's  pin  mony,  so  she  puts  it  in  that  light.  It  is 
no  wonder  anywhere  else  but  at  Marlborough 
House  that  he  should  do  all  he  could  in  favour 
of  his  Brother,  since  there  is  so  small  Estate 
to  support  so  great  a  title,  and  £2000  a  year 
joynture  to  be  paid  out  of  it  to  a  young  woman 
may  live  this  fifty  year,  but  at  Marlborough 
House  all  is  calld  mean  spirited.  I  doubt  nothing 
would  have  made  it  noble  but  leaving  his  Dutches 
the  .£25,000  cash.  All  else  was  trash,  for  she 
says  she  must  starve  on  her  joynture.  Some  say 
all  the  jewels  she  had  was  presents  from  her  own 
family,  if  it  was  so,  tis  pitty  they  were  not  entirely 
given  to  her,  but  this  will  was  made  at  Kimbolton 
2  years  ago  by  a  country  lawyer,  who  I  supose 
made  all  returnable,  even  the  sedan  chair,  through 
Ignorance.  However  I  well  remember  how  they 
treated  the  Duke  of  Bedfords  character  when  his 
Dutches  died,  and  therefore  am  not  astonished  to 
hear  the  same  now. 

The  estate  is  recond  ^"4000  a  year,  and  the 
place  in  the  Customs  .£1500,  out  of  which  Ld 
Robert  had  an  anuity  of  ,£600.  I  dont  recon 
he  will  have  above  ^"3000  a  year  adition  with  his 
title. 

Undertakers  dont  go  down  to  Bath  till  Tuesday, 
then  they  bring  him  to  Slough,  and  so  to  Kim- 
bolton, that  it  will  be  at  least  Sunday  or  Munday 

next  before  he  is  burried.  .  .  . 

E 


66          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

I  dont  see  that  you  might  have  been  his 
Succeeder  in  Parliament,  for  Clerk  has  not  a  foot 
of  land  in  that  County,  'tis  Dr.  Alured  Clerk's 
brother.  .  .  . 

I  have  wrote  enough  to  make  your  head  ake  to 
read. 

Dont  leave  it  upon  your  Harpsichord. 

I  am  your  very  affect., 

S.  O. 

Princess  Wales  to  see  Dutches  Bedford  a 
Wednesday.  Child  xtiand  Thursday.  That  day 
and  yesterday  saw  company  there.  I  met  a 
thousand  people  I  did  not  think  had  been  in 
London. 

LETTER  xxv. 
From  SAVILE  STREET,  November  8,  1739. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — My  cold  still  "keeps  my 
spirits  so  low,  that  I  have  not  been  out  three  times 
since  you  went,  and  therefore  have  not  that  joy 
you  imagine  by  the  town  fnlling,  which  it  does 
now  every  day. 

I  have  amused  myself  with  clearing  away  draws 
full  of  old  letters  and  papers,  to  save  you  the 
trouble  of  making  a  Bonfire  of  them.  I  should 
have  reserved  them  to  have  amused  you,  if  I 
could  imagine  they  would  ever  have  been  read  by 
you,  and  only  yrself.  Many  of  them  have  made 
me  vain,  but  more  have  extinguished  that  weak- 
ness by  bringing  maloncholy  past  sceans  into  my 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  67 

remembrance.  Some  from  my  father  with  such 
tenderness  and  esteme  for  you  that  I  must  still 
preserve  them  for  your  perusal,  and  tho  it  may 
be  ffashion  to  explode  such  tenderness  and 
humanity  as  I  have  lately  been  reading,  yet  I 
thank  God  for  having  been  born  in  the  days  when 
such  passions  were  praiseworthy,  and  having 
received  the  Benefit  of  them  from  my  ffriends, 
for  it  surprises  me  to  collect  together  the  heap 
of  civilitys  and  kindness  I  have  received,  and  the 
great  want  I  was  in  of  them.  I  hope  distresses 
will  lessen  as  inhumanity  prevails,  and  wo  be  to 
those  who  are,  and  are  to  be  born.  My  latter 
days  have  been  so  much  happier  that  I  had  forgot 
how  I  strugled  in  Life  in  my  youth,  till  this  leisure 
time  has  refreshd  my  memory. 

The  Duke  of  Manchester  was  to  lye  at  Baldock 
last  night  in  his  way  to  Kimbolton.  He  has  been 
very  oblidging  to  the  Dutches,  given  her  the 
offer  of  the  house  in  Grosvenor  Square  until  she 
can  frit  herself,  also  the  use  of  what  plate  she 
pleases  .  .  .  has  carried  her  £100  for  fear  she 
has  no  money.  She  is  sensible  of  all  his  civility, 
and  has  behaved  exceeding  well  .  .  .  his  own 
Dutches  removes  in  his  absense  to  Grosvenor 
Square,  at  least  till  the  lease  is  out,  there  being 
little  trouble  to  step  into  that  house  quite  fTiir- 
nished,  and  even  coals  laid  in  for  them.  He  has 
given  his  sisters  mourning,  but  that  or  anything 
else  will  not  content  them,  they  are  outragious 


68          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

that  their  Brother  did  not  leave  them  it.     Their 
affairs  will  be  the  Conversation  of  ye  town  till  some 
other  person  makes  a  new  subject. 
I  am,  my  dear  Danvers, 

your  very  affec., 

S.  O. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  Ashby  is  taking  the  mills 
at  Langford,  for  you  will  loose  a  good  Tenant,  .  .  . 
but  you  know  your  own  affaires  best.  A  letter 
from  Jack  to-day — still  at  Spithead  waiting  for 
ships  he  is  to  convoy  to  Haddock,  expects  daily 
to  go.  He  thinks  they  (Bro.  Rob1)  are  got  to  the 
Madras  by  this  time,  and  we  may  hear  from  them 
from  there.  I  am  old  fashion,  and  cannot  be  easy 
till  I  do.  ... 

LETTER  xxvi. 

[This  letter  is  full  of  the  preparations  for  the  marriage 
of  Sir  Danvers  Osborn  with  Lady  Mary  Montagu,  fourth 
daughter  of  the  second  Earl  of  Halifax.  The  wedding 
took  place  in  September.] 

CHICKSANDS,  Aug.  26,  1740. 

My  heart  goes  pit  a  pat  for  fear  you  will  come 
before  we  are  in  order.  If  Tables  and  Glasses 
dont  come  till  Thursday  sennight,  I  hope  at  least 
you  wont  come  before  Saterday  after,  for  as  that 
Thursday  will  bring  so  many  things,  what  shall  I 
do  with  you  to  come  the  same  day,  and  fryday 
must  not  be  a  weding  day,  for  it  is  unlucky,  there- 


LADY    OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  69 

fore  I  shall  scheme  all  for  Saterday  sennight,  for 
it  is  not  possible  you  can  come  here  sooner.  I 
wish  Pattee  or  anybody  could  look  at  any  of  the 
auctions  or  places  they  sell  at  in  Jermyn  Street, 
and  find  two  old  half  settees  for  a  trifle,  to  cover 
with  the  red  stuff  damask  to  match  the  six  chairs, 
for  I  dont  think  the  velvet  armchairs  do  so  well 
there  as  by  the  Bedside.  I  feel  like  Martha,  care- 
full  and  troubled  about  many  things. 

Next  week  the  wood  holes  must  be  filld,  the 
evenings  grow  cool.  ...  I  have  set  Lady  Mary's 
dressing  table  in  foylight  (firelight  ?)  and  find  it 
must  be  very  inconvenient  to  her  not  to  have  a 
large  glass  in  the  pier  where  one  was  before,  for  she 
is  too  tall  to  dress  her  body  by  the  glass  upon  the 
table.  I  wish  you  could  meet  with  any  old  fashion 
pier  glass  to  put  there.  .  .  . 

I  am  in  a  hurry,  only  time  to  assure  you  I  am, 

yr  affect, 

S.  O. 

Austin  dont  in  the  least  care  for  this  Job  of 
Work,  first  he  don't  understand  it,  and  second 
he  is  getting  things  for  the  fair,  and  he  says  no 
men  to  be  had  to  help  him.  ...  It  will  not,  I 
daresay,  be  done  this  two  months,  yr  Pew  alone, 
he  says,  will  be  a  fortnight  doing.  Leek  must  set 
up  the  Glasses  when  they  come,  for  nobody  here 
can  fasten  them  to  the  stoco,  or  put  the  whole 
lengths  in  their  frames. 


7O          POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

LETTER  xxvn. 

CHICKSANDS,  Sepr.  7,  1740. 

I  imagine  I  shall  hear  from  you  tonight,  and 
now  expect  every  Letter  to  fix  the  day  of  your 
coming.  Pray  at  least  guess  about  the  time,  for 
things  must  be  had  or  bespoke  beforehand.  I 
have  sent  to  the  ffyshman  at  Eaton.  He  was 
there  last  Tuesday,  says  he  has  no  good  fysh 
yet,  but  will  call  again  Tuesday,  and  then  I  must 
bespeak  ffysh  for  fryday,  or  whenever  I  take  it 
into  my  head  you  will  come.  Then  ffryday  will 
bring  all  relations,  as  those  from  Southill  and 
Clifton,  and  the  next  ffryday  after  being  a  good 
moon,  will  bring  the  neighbourhood,  therefore  I 
shall  calculate  for  two  ffrydays,  and  after  that  you 
may  rest.  The  chimdy  man  is  not  yet  come,  .  .  . 
it  is  better  but  not  yet  cured,  it  will  do  with  a  coal 
fire,  but  wont  bear  a  biasing  fagot.  They  are  all 
of  oppinion  that  nothing  will  do  but  putting  it 
down,  .  .  .  but  the  next  chimdy  is  stone,  and  if 
this  was  brick,  you  might  not  like  it,  and  tho 
there  is  stone  enough  to  do  it,  the  masons  work 
would  come  to  ^5,  and  the  Bricklayer's  to  £2, 
and  this  it  must  come  to  at  last,  and  have  a 
funel  to  itself,  it  is  now  so  crooked  and  small 
tis  imposible  to  have  a  draught.  Rogers  knows 
it  is  the  only  remedy,  which  makes  him  so  tyer- 
some  about  it,  ...  and  I  dare  not  venture  to 
order  it  without  you. 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  71 

The  room  is  finished,  the  Glasses  prodigious 
handsome.  I  shall  kill  Bailis  if  the  Tables  do  not 
come  next  Thursday.  .  .  .  Whatever  marble  you 
are  to  have  is  already  in  England,  there  is  no 
ffresh  blocks  coming  from  Italy.  I  am  quite 
pevish  with  her  dilatory  proceedings. 

If  those  tables  and  your  presses  were  come,  we 
should  be  compleat,  except  a  Hearth  and  Doggs 
for  the  drawing-room.  Shovel  and  tongs  came 
on  Thursday.  What  did  they  send  a  poker  for  ? 
Shovel  and  tongs  for  dining-room,  antyroom,  your 
Library,  and  two  rooms  in  ye  new  pasage  cannot 
be  done  without  there  are  dogs  and  hearths 
sufficient.  I  am  persuaded  you  will  be  pleased 
with  ye  furniture  of  that  room,  tho  it  is  but  paper. 
.  .  .  The  tea  kettle  is  come,  and  I  hope  you  think 
it  varstly  handsome,  and  I  hope  it  will  not  exceed 
what  I  shall  be  able  to  compass,  desireing  you  to 
accept  it  as  my  present  to  yrself.  Brother  Robert 
has  remited  me  more  money,  and  desires  I  would 
let  Waples  have  ^500  if  he  wants  it  for  a  pur- 
chase. For  Godsake  tell  Waples  he  must  make 
no  such  purchase,  for  my  Brother  does  not  consider 
what  he  has  sent  for,  ...  he  thinks  I  put  Guineas 
together  that  will  produce,  he  recons  much  too 
fast. 

I  have  drawn  out  your  supper,  send  me  word 
if  you  approve,  or  alter  it  as  you  like.  I  have 
given  Mrs.  Porter  dinners  and  suppers  for  a  week, 
for  the  first  week  must  be  all  clatter  and  hurry, 


72  POLITICAL    AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF    A 

and  the  more  so  the  better.  I  hope  I  shall  keep 
well  till  after  that  time  is  over,  but  I  have  had  a 
return  of  my  old  complaint,  has  put  me  much  out 
of  spirits.  All  the  poor  chicks  are  fat,  and  from 
this  time  will  grow  large  and  lean  again,  but  they 
must  frigacy  or  do  somthing,  no  Agheraust  (?) 
with  Partridge,  what  shall  I  do  ?  Three  of 
them  and  two  quails  is  all  we  have  yet  in.  The 
men,  Norman  and  everybody  I  believe  has  made 
Harvest  Home.  Pryer  says  he  has  not  had  such 
fine  wheat  nor  so  much  since  he  was  in  the 
farm.  .  .  . 

Dr.  Osborn  was  here  in  a  hurry  about  the  Hoo, 
says  if  you  dont  have  it,  Mr.  Edwards  will,  and 
that  he  wont  take  less  of  him  than  1 800  guineas, 
his  wife  dont  care  he  should  part  with  it  under. 
I  told  him  I  daresay  you  would  not  be  his 
hindrance  from  getting  a  good  price. 

LETTER  xxvui. 

SAVILE  STREET,  October  28,  1740. 

I  am  glad  the  Chappie  is  done,  and  succeeds 
to  your  mind.  The  pulpit  furniture  is  done,  and 
goes  down  tomorrow ;  it  had  been  with  you  last 
week  but  by  a  mistake.  I  brought  up  the  old 
pulpit  cushion  to  be  flitted  to  the  size  and  coverd, 
and  when  I  took  off  the  old  rotten  cover  there 
was  wrote  upon  the  dimoty,  "  Dorothy  Osborn, 

the  year  1605.     B.  D." 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  73 

Therefore  I  preserved  that  end  and  cut  the  other, 
since  it  had  been  135  year  in  your  chaple,  and  I 
conclude  the  old  green  Cloath  has  been  so  too. 
I  shall  be  glad  if  you  and  Lady  Mary  like  what 
is  sent ;  it  is  done  in  the  cheapest  manner  it  could 
to  be  decent.  There  was  down  enough  in  the 
Cushion  to  make  2  Cushions  for  the  Books  upon 
the  Communion  Table.  I  think  you  will  want  a 
Common  Prayer  Book  for  that.  I  hope  this 
Crimson  won't  offend  the  Doctor  Osborn.  He 
was  a  litle  outragious  at  the  Colour.  I  unfortun- 
ately called  it  red,  and  that  is  not  so  right  for  a 
Chaple.  Is  he  reconciled  to  the  Tapistry  at  the 
Altar  ?  He  is  not  sure  if  that  does  not  favour  a 
popish  one.  There  goes  a  Box  with  your  Books 
tomorow,  and  with  the  chappie  furniture,  a  Box 
of  flowers  for  Lady  Mary  and  her  Mantelette, 
also  her  two  Boxes  from  Chavenix  and  a  toast 
fork  for  Breakfast ;  but  I  beg  she  may  not  break 
her  back  with  stooping  to  make  toast  herself. 

Your  punch  Ladle  was  broke  it  seems,  and 
came  to  be  mended,  and  goes  also  tomorow.  I 
name  these  things  that  you  may  order  them 
yrself,  for  they  had  got  a  way  of  opening  every- 
thing that  came,  and  twas  ten  to  one  if  I  knew 
of  it.  I  hope  they  did  not  serve  you  so  with  the 
oysters.  The  only  reason  I  wished  to  know  if 
you  had  them  was  if  they  were  good,  or  if  more 
would  be  acceptable  to  you. 

*  Are  these  things  so  ? '  is  a  very  severe  Poem ; 


74          POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF    A 

tis  said  to  be  wrote  by  Dodington.  I  send  you 
that  also  tomorow.  I  have  pack  up  one  of  the 
old  frames  which  I  gave  6  pence  for,  it  must  be 
gilt  over  and  then  will  be  as  handsome  as  your 
own.  I  am  getting  in  all  your  bills.  You  have 
not  sent  your  Seal  to  be  new  cut,  or  said  if  you 
had  your  watch. 

My  dear  Danvers,  I  am, 
most  affectionately  yours, 

S.  O. 

I  will  if  posible  send  6  hasocks  tomorow, 
there  are  2  dozen  of  yc  ordinary  ones  in  ye  Long 
Gallery.  .  .  . 

LETTER  xxix. 

ARGYLE  STREET,  June  16,  1741. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — You  need  make  no  excuse 
for  opening  my  letter,  you  very  well  know  I 
have  no  secrets  from  you,  and  as  it  came  from 
Barbados,  I  concluded  you  read  them  all.  How- 
ever as  there  is  another  ship  come  in  today,  I 
will  stay  for  other  letters,  before  you  need  write 
about  that  affair.  The  man  of  war  which  is  to 
bring  them  was  arrived  at  Barbados,  therefore  I 
conclude  them  now  to  be  upon  the  Sea,  and  that 
they  will  be  home  the  latter  end  of  July. 

Nobody  is  yet  in  your  house.  It  is  lockd  up 
and  ye  keys  here.  John  goes  there  morning  and 
night,  that  nobody  knows  but  what  he  is  in  the 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  75 

house.  What  maid  are  you  to  have  when  you 
come  ?  for  the  house  must  be  dusted  against  you 
come.  Mary  may  be  yr  maid  while  you  are  in 
town,  for  in  a  week  or  ten  days  I  shall  go  to 
Shannons  to  stay  till  October. 

The  secret  is  concerning  the  Election.  They 
are  not  properly  chose,  and  there  must  be  a  new 
Election,  but  for  godsake  dont  let  a  word  drop 
about  it.  You  are  apt  to  leave  your  letters  in 
the  Library,  and  I  dare  not  explain  more,  and 
even  this  burn  imediatly. 

Lady  Mary  and  you  are  very  oblidging  to 
accept  of  my  good  intentions,  which  must  always 
be  sincere  in  serving  you  and  her,  for  while  she 
loves  you  I  must  love  her,  and  really  do.  Pray 
give  her  my  thanks  for  her  kind  letter  which 
I  intended  to  answer  this  post,  but  have  been 
prevented. 

Lord  Oxford  died  this  evening  at  six.  Lord 
Duplin  gone  to  Ireland,  and  I  think  leaves  his 
Lady  with  his  mother  in  Yorkshire.  A  mon- 
strous fortune  she  is,  but  with  them  great  fortunes 
there  generally  is  a  But.  The  provoking  boy 
has  neither  brought  St.  James  nor  Gazeteer.  I 
have  sent  again,  and  he  is  gone  out  with  all  in  the 

shop. 

yr.  very  affect., 

S.  O. 

Prince  and  Princess  are  at  Lord  Carteret's 
to-night.  .  .  . 


76          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

LETTER  xxx. 

ARGYLE  STREET,  Oct.  10,  1741. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS,  —  I  must  welcome  Lady 
Mary  and  yourself  to  old  Chicksands,  where  I 
dont  doubt  but  you  find  charms  you  did  not  meet 
with  at  finer  places.  The  Old  Proverb  says 
home  is  home,  be  it  ever  so  homely.  Indeed 
I  always  find  it  so,  and  really  my  Bandbox,  for 
so  I  must  call  it,  is  very  agreeable  to  me.  Indeed 
you  have  made  it  so  by  extra  ornaments  I  should 
never  have  thought  off.  Upon  the  whole,  tho  I 
am  vexd  to  have  you  do  it,  yet  I  must  thank 
you  both,  and  own  it  is  now  a  Genteel  pretty 
house,  and  I  have  no  wish  but  that  it  was  on  the 
other  side  Swallow  Street,  for  I  would  not  have 
it  larger  if  I  could. 

Pray  take  care  of  Lady  Mary  .  .  .  and  let  me 
know  when  you  come. 

I  have  nothing  to  entertain  you  with  here,  but 
that  it  is  said  Lord  Euston  is  to  be  married 
today.  It  has  never  come  so  near  the  time,  but 
I  have  nevertheless  heard  it  doubted,  as  indeed  it 
will  be  till  she  is  seen  in  her  Bridial  apparel. 
Will  you  be  so  good  as  to  tell  Mrs.  Porter  that 
the  cake  and  carpet  came  safe  a  Wednesday,  and 
I  took  the  Liberty  of  taking  ye  table  out  of  your 
Kitchen,  there  are  so  many  tables  at  Chick- 
sands  you  may  bring  one  of  those  out  of  the 
Gallery.  ...  I  must  beg  the  favour  you  will  give 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  77 

the  enclosed  letter  to  my  Aunt  Master  yourself, 
for  I  would  not  have  my  mother  see  it,  there- 
fore pray  be  carefull,  and  give  it  soon,  because  it 
wants  an  answer. 

The  poor  Pilgrims  are  dismal  objects  still. 
Brother  Robert  Byng  (the  poor  man  that  is  gone) 
refused  .£1000  that  was  offered  him  for  the 
Living  he  gave  Corbets  parson  for  nothing. 
Those  are  offers  that  are  made  openly,  their 
being  esteemed  first  fruits.  The  bond  he  took 
was  only  a  form,  and  which  he  told  Corbets 
parson  he  should  never  take  of  him,  .  .  .  what 
could  be  kinder  in  regard  to  Corbet,  for  he  knew 
not  the  man  but  by  his  recomendation  .  .  .  but 
everyone  will  rail  and  joyne  in  beliefe  of  ill 
things.  Thank  God  I  abominate  such  easy  faith, 
and  never  can  believe  ill  of  anyone  till  I  am  con- 
vinced they  deserve  it !  Oh,  ungrateful  Corbet ! 
for  the  sake  of  a  dirty  parson  to  spread  such 
faulse  reports !  .  .  . 

[Before  Mrs.  Osborn  again  takes  up  her  pen,  her  two 
grandsons,  George  and  John,  are  born,  and  the  latter 
event  was  followed,  as  related  in  the  Preface,  by  the 
death  of  Lady  Mary  Osborn  in  1743.  Lady  Ann 
Jekyll  and  Lady  Betty  Archer  are  her  sisters.] 

LETTER  xxxi. 

KENSINGTON,  February  12,  1744. 
Both  your  boys  charming  well,  George  quite  in 
spirits,  was  to  see  Lady  Ann  Jekyll  and  Lady 


78          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Betty  Archer  yesterday,   behaved   well   at   both 
place. 

For  Godsake  come  and  see  what  is  doing. 
The  Town  is  in  a  turmoil,  never  was  the  like, 
whether  truth  or  not  in  the  reports  that  are  given 
given  about,  I  know  not  The  king  (George  II.) 
sent  a  message  to  the  Parliament  yesterday  that 
he  had  undoubted  intelligence  of  the  Pretender's 
son  coming  to  invade  these  Dominions.  You  can 
imagine  how  this  announcement  encreases  the 
consternation  that  is  felt, — men,  women,  not  know- 
ing what  to  believe,  such  an  affright  never  was 
before.  Upon  receiving  the  king's  message,  the 
Duke  of  Marlborough  got  up  and  moved  to  ad- 
dress the  king  that  they  would  all  stand  by  him 
with  lives  and  fortunes.  Lord  Chesterfield  said 
he  was  not  against  that,  but  desired  an  Enquiry 
first  from  whose  ill  conduct  we  were  brought  to 
this  distress.  Lord  Lonsdale  said  "  the  Enemy 
was  at  our  Gates.  We  ought  all  to  be  unanimous 
and  not  start  such  things  at  such  a  time  as  this. 
If  a  man's  house  was  afire,  he  must  not  stay  to 
enquire  who  did  it,  but  use  all  means  to  stop  the 
progress  of  it,"  and  spoke  so  strong  none  pre- 
tended to  answer  him,  even  made  Chesterfield 
look  confounded,  and  no  divisions  in  that  House, 
but  in  the  Commons  was  otherways.  Pit  made 
the  same  speach  there  as  Chesterfield  did  in  the 
other  house,  but  so  much  more  violent,  that  he 
was  three  times  caled  to  order.  The  Address 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  79 

was  carried  140  majority  against  123,  but  how 
Lamentable  to  think  we  can  have  123  Tray  tors  in 
our  House.  The  Government  is  rather  perplext 
with  intelligence  than  satisfyd,  for  every  hour 
some  or  other  comes.  Tis  certain  there  are  two 
ffleets,  one  at  Torbay,  the  other  that  was  seen 
here.  Noris  saild  a  Tuesday  to  St.  Helens,  orders 
went  after  him  there,  and  now  nobody  knows 
where  he  is  saild.  Tis  said  he  is  gone  after 
that  ffleet  off  Dunkirk,  and  that  he  has  been  in 
sight  of  ten  sail,  and  fired  a  gun,  but  the  truth  is 
not  known.  This  came  from  some  Pilote. 

If  Torbay  ffieet  is  the  Decoy  (for  one  certainly 
is)  then  they  would  pour  in  all  men  and  arms 
from  Dunkirk,  so  that  our  coast  would  then  be 
open  to  them.  Letters  have  been  intercepted 
that  they  are  to  try  to  land  in  Norfolk,  Sussex, 
Essex  or  Kent.  The  alarm  now  grows  stronger 
than  it  did  at  first.  There  are  orders  to  all  officers 
to  repair  to  Rendezvous  at  a  moment's  warn- 
ing. St.  James  Square,  Grosvenor  Square,  Lin- 
coins  Inn  ffields  &c.,  are  appointed.  General 
Wentworth  went  from  House  of  Commons  last 
night  to  Harwich  to  meet  the  6000  Dutch  troupes 
we  expect  every  day.  Tis  also  said  a  ship  yester- 
day brought  intelligence  that  several  sail  of  ffrench 
passd  the  Streights  of  Gibraltar  to  joyn  the 
Tholon  squadron.  If  this  is  true,  they  are  in 
pain,  for  tis  now  said  there  is  but  a  20  gun  frigate 
at  Dunkirk  and  some  transports.  It  is  amazing 


8o          POLITICAL  AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

the  different  reports  that  every  hour  spring  up, 
and  tho  it  appears  like  men  in  Buckeram,  for 
here,  there  and  everywhere  they  see  many  saile, 
yet  it  is  quite  a  serious  thing,  and  every  creature 
in  the  utmost  consternation.  I  desired  brother 
Robert  Osborn  to  write  to  you  this  night  if  they 
had  any  certain  intelligence.  They  live  at  the 
office  (Admiralty)  there  are  Boards  held  there 
sometimes  at  4  in  the  morning.  I  can  tell  you 
no  more,  but  there  is  a  deall  to  hear. 

I  am, 

your  very  affec. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xxxn. 

[The  Mrs.  Williamson  in  this  letter  was  a  connection 
of  the  Osborns,  and  her  husband  was  Deputy-Governor 
of  the  Tower.] 

KENSINGTON,  May  29,  1744. 

Your  boys  are  both  well  .  .  . 

Brother  Jack  insted  of  being  gone  again,  came 
to  town  a  Saterday,  desires  me  to  make  his 
complyments  to  you,  sorry  he  just  missd  of  you. 
Never  saw  him  look  better,  says  the  'Salisbury' 
has  taken  good  prize,  will  be  two  or  three  thou- 
sand pounds,  some  say  five,  but  it  will  damp  his 
joy  to  find  Dudley  (?)  at  home.  Sure  the  boy 
will  fly  before  he  comes.  I  am  almost  sure  I  met 
him  on  horseback  on  Kensington  Cawsey  last 
Sunday,  powdered  and  spruce.  I  have  seen  Mrs. 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  8 1 

Williamson,  she  says  every  word  the  Red  Ribion 
told  you  is  false,  and  only  to  shuffle  you  off  from 
himself.  Poor  Dudley  still  shews  he  only  went 
to  a  farden  school.  For  Godsake  let  all  boys 
have  a  propper  school  till  12  year  old  at  least. 
Tis  terible  to  think  when  they  are  Captains  yl  it 
will  be  a  shame  for  them  to  write  to  the  Admiralty. 
Poor  boys,  tis  sad  when  no  one  belonging  to  them 
think  Learning  is  necessary.  I  even  am  come  to 
think  if  they  are  to  be  Coblers  they  should  first 
go  to  Westminster.  The  officers  that  last  week 
went  abroad,  have  had  a  great  escape  from  being 
cut  to  peices  by  an  Ambuscade  of  4000  ffrench, 
which  was  prevented  by  a  Huzar  finding  it  out, 
and  swam  across  ye  river  to  discover  it.  I  think 
they  are  all  safe  arrived  at  ye  Army.  Tis  sad  the 
Dutch  troops  are  to  return.  Letters  yesterday 
that  Sister  George  (Byng)  mends,  tho  slow,  but 

still  in  a  very  weak  way. 

I  am, 

y  truly  affect., 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xxxm. 

KENSINGTON,  June  20,  1744. 

Both  boys  well,  but  at  present  Jack  the  best, 
for  tho  George  is  well,  yet  he  has  the  print  of 
four  fangs  in  his  gums  that  make  him  ffretfull 
and  yallow,  and  sleep  unquiet.  I  wish  you  had 

come  a  week  sooner,  for  he  lookd  charming.     I 

F 


82          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

cannot  say  he  does  so  now,  tho  he  was  yesterday 
at  Lady  Anns  (Jekyll).  She  sent  for  him. 
Ly  Halifax,  Lady  Bab  and  the  Burgoynes  were 
there,  and  they  all  thought  he  lookd  well,  exer- 
cisd,  and  playd  with  his  gun.  They  were  all 
deverted  much,  and  he  behaved  very  well.  The 
King  certainly  goes,  tho  not  yet  publickly  declared, 
but  all  things  in  the  family  are  preparing  for  it. 
There  is  much  uneasyness,  for  we  shall  be  left  with- 
out King,  Army,  or  ffleet,  and  the  Brest  (?)  in  the 
Chanel.  Ypres  is  taken,  and  tis  thought  Ostend, 
Nieuport  and  ffurness  will  be  so  by  next  mail. 

You  will  loose  the  cream  of  Ld!Anson's  History, 
but  if  you  are  happy  with  y  haymakers,  tis  as 
well.  He  comes  here  to-day  to  kiss  hands  for  his 
flag.  Poor  Jack  came  to  town  last  Tuesday,  with 
his  leg  on  a  cushion,  and  himself  bolstered  up 
with  pillows  in  the  Coach.  I  went  to  him  yester- 
day morning,  surprized  to  see  him  hopping  about 
y«  room.  He  said  he  was  so  at  himself,  but  that 
the  Journey  had  been  of  great  service,  and  was  so 
well  he  would  go  to  Winchester,  Anson,  &c.  I 
find  he  was  so  ill  at  Portsmouth  that  no  one 
expected  his  Life,  his  going  to  fetch  Anson 
ashore  had  like  quite  to  demolish  him,  oblidged  to 
go  to  bed  that  moment,  without  being  able  to  sup 
with  him,  or  hear  one  of  his  storys.  Poor  Leg  was 
there,  but  brim  full,  for  a  considerable  time  held  out 
well,  at  last  the  tears  ran  down.  Everyone  pittyd 
him,  and  did  not  wonder  he  should  be  so  moved, 


LADY   OF    THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  83 

for  it  was  impossible  to  blot  out  the  remembrance 
of  his  own  fate.  Anson  looks  well,  but  much 
thiner,  Keppel  as  brown  as  a  mahogany  table. 

The  ffitzwilliam  match  is  today.  Murrays  to 
be  at  it,  therefore  Jack's  cause  cannot  be  heard 
which  was  fixd  for  to-day.  Ffitzwilliam  Coach 
is  a  curiosity,  I  think  they  say  it  is  all  Japan. 

I  dine  much  at  Court,  wine  in  Ice,  Creams,  &c. 
Pheasant  with  Eggs,  and  Pheasant  poults  which 
is  shamefull.  Dont  think  but  that  I  can  dine  on 
mutton  when  they  are  gone.  Tomorow  I  dine 
with  Manchester.  Their  table  is  elegant,  the 
ladys  I  must  say  is  the  reverse,  tho  one  may  get 
a  dab  of  Ice  there  too.  Hanover,  Montagu, 
dine  with  me  today.  I  get  a  dish  or  two  from 
the  King's  kitchen  for  them. 

Now  they  are  come  from  Court  I  dont  hear  a 
word  more  to  ad,  therefore  wish  you  a  good 
Journey,  and  hope  to  see  you  Saterday. 

I  am, 

yr  very  affect,  mo. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xxxiv. 

[The  three  next  letters  are  full  of  the  panic  created  by 
the  Young  Pretender's  Rebellion.  Sir  Danvers  had 
joined  the  King's  army,  under  the  Duke  of  Cumberland.] 

STRATTON  STREET,  Dec.  9,  1745. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — This  will  meet  you  so  far 
south  that  I  find  my  pen  at  Liberty  to  tell  you  all 


84  POLITICAL    AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF    A 

I  know.  First  I  have  the  pleasure  to  tell  you  both 
your  boys  are  in  perfect  health,  never  had  better 
spirits,  .  .  .  tho  they  have  never  been  out  since 
you  went,  an  odious  north-east  wind  so  long  that 
I  give  them  your  Apartment  below,  where  they 
have  room  for  Exercise,  and  keep  quite  well. 

Your  pacquet  today  in  your  Bureau  I  received, 
and  disposd  of  it  as  you  orderd.  I  have  wrote 
every  post  to  you,  and  told  you  so  in  one  of  my 
letters. 

Wednesday  last  was  the  most  dismal  day  I  ever 
knew,  it  being  believed  here  it  was  the  day  of 
Bade,  not  only  myself  but  every  mortal  in  terror 
for  their  ffriends.  No  one  doubted  the  Rebel 
Army  being  beat,  but  no  one  knew  who  would  be 
the  perticulers  to  fall.  By  ffryday  these  fears  were 
over,  and  others  succeeded  which  seizd  indeed  the 
whole  Town,  and  was  I  must  say,  a  most  shame- 
ful Panick,  but  the  express  that  came  had  that 
effect  upon  all  sorts  of  people,  as  it  seemd  to 
assure  that  the  Rebels  would  be  at  Northampton 
that  night,  and  in  all  probability  at  Barnet  a 
Tuesday.  The  Councils  sat  all  night,  the  Army 
here  was  forming  to  march,  Lord  Stairs  was  sent 
to  ffinchly  to  mark  out  the  Camp.  The  King  to 
head  this  Army,  which  people  that  could  keep 
their  senses  thought  must  cut  them  to  peices. 
One  teror  added  to  the  rest  was  a  Letter  found  on 
Count  St  Germain,  who  was  taken  up,  which  came 
from  the  Rebel  Army,  and  said  they  hoped  they 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  85 

should  contrive  to  slip  the  Dukes  Army,  and  then 
make  for  the  Capital.  They  did  not  doubt  another 
Army  would  meet  them,  but  when  the  King's 
fforces  marched  out  of  London,  hoped  their  friends 
would  have  a  general  mass,  and  then  the  four 
Quarters  rise,  as  he  knew  all  togeather  the 
Consternation  of  the  whole  Town  is  not  to  be 
expressd.  Thousands  of  the  Pretenders  Declara- 
tions were  threw  about  the  Park  and  streets,  every 
woman  thinking  where  to  run  for  safty,  and  every 
man  getting  Arms  and  Horses  to  go  with  the 
King,  Brother  Torrington  among  the  rest.  Lord 
Shannon  was  so  good  to  take  me  and  my  children 
to  Ashly,  thinking  cross  the  water  most  safe.  My 
Mother  to  Columbines,  Benet  to  Cooks,  Brook 
Street  to  Pinkwell.  I  found  a  place  to  hide  what 
was  nessessary.  Dr  Osborn  was  in  town,  thought 
it  high  time  to  remove  the  things  from  Chick- 
sands.  He  went  down  that  morning  before  the 
consternation  was  so  great  and  sent  Thomas 
Green  with  your  two  Boxes  a  Sunday,  which  are 
now  here,  and  ^100  from  Denbigh.  I  beggd  the 
plate  to  be  burried  anywhere  near  him,  for  im- 
posible  to  trust  that  road  by  the  Wagon  since 
we  imagind  the  Highlanders  would  be  at  their 
heals.  However  Saterday  the  terors  vanishd,  and 
then  as  sorry  to  hear  the  Rebels  had  gone  back. 
We  are  all  angry  with  Duke  Devonshire,  1000 
men  that  could  do  nothing,  not  even  take  straglers, 
for  we  hear  they  lay  down  like  dogs  when  they 


86          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

came  to  Derby,  and  what  up  was  they  to  run  to 
Nottingham.  In  short  we  now  laugh  at  one 
another  for  fearing  what  was  the  only  thing  to 
destroy  them,  which  was  to  come  on.  Lord 
Sandwich  we  hear  extream  ill  at  Birginham. 
Lady  Sandwich  went  down  in  the  night  a 
Saterday  to  him.  I  pitty  you  to  be  a  Wagoner  at 
last,  however  I  cant  but  say  I  have  much  better 
spirits,  knowing  this  will  meet  you  at  Woodstock. 

No  express  today  of  consequence,  and  yet  we 
flatter  ourselves  Wade  must  meet  with  them  in 
their  return,  tis  shocking  to  have  them  go  back 
and  reinforce  with  3000  ffresh  men,  which  are 
ready  in  Scotland. 

My  Brother  Jacks  Squadron  has  taken  a  ship 
with  210  men,  most  of  them  officers. 

The  Prisoners  came  to  the  Tower  a  fry  day,  tis 
not  yet  clear  if  the  Pretenders  Brother  is  there. 
They  have  strong  suspition  still,  but  the  Ministry 
dont  choose  to  talk  about  it.  Mrs  Williamson 
dind  with  them,  and  has  given  me  the  description. 
None  yet  has  been  sent  to  see  if  it  is  him  or  not. 
I  fancy  it  is  of  no  use  yet  to  be  sure  of  it,  but  we 
are  most  dreadfully  alarmd  at  this  Embarkation, 
14,000  lye  at  Dunkirk  with  transports,  or  rather 
small  ffyshing  vessels,  and  we  have  a  hundred 
Cutters  gone  to  line  all  our  coasts.  500  seamen 
came  to  the  Admiralty  a  Saterday,  and  they 
could  employ  as  many  more,  watermen  and  all  are 
gone  Some  think  they  design  to  land  in  Nor- 


LADY    OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  87 

folk,  and  that  the  Rebels  intended  their  march 
that  way  to  meet  them,  but  this  is  all  conjecture. 
I  have  only  time  to  give  your  sons  duty  to  you. 
George  dreams  of  you  every  night,  wakes  with 
telling  where  you  are,  and  when  he  heard  them 
talk  of  the  Pretender  coming  to  St  James,  he  sighd 
and  said  "  Where  must  Aunt  Ann  go  then  ?  " 

LETTER  xxxv. 

LONDON,  December  10,  1745. 
MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — I  wrote  you  a  long  scratch 
last  night  at  Woodstock  which  I  hope  you  have 
received.  I  begin  this  in  the  morning  that  I  may 
have  a  litle  time  to  tell  you  of  more  things  than 
what  concerns  rebels.  One  is  that  the  murrain 
amongst  the  cattel  has  encreased  prodigiously, 
that  nothing  but  Mutton  can  be  bought  here.  I 
took  the  liberty  to  send  for  the  Hog  you  had 
flatting  at  Chicksands,  and  indeed  of  most  things 
we  eate  from  thence,  as  Butter,  bacon,  fowls, 
greens.  Here  Rabets  are  bad  and  many  other 
things,  so  that  Mr.  Denbigh  keeps  a  seperate 
account  of  all  that  comes  for  me,  and  I  have 
orderd  him  to  buy  more  hoggs  tq  ffat,  for  mutton 
soon  will  be  monstrous  dear  now  no  one  ventures 
any  other  meat  in  their  house.  Lambs  is  fed 
with  milk.  I  find  it  reaches  into  the  Countrys. 
Thomas  Green  says  it  is  among  the  Cattel  at 
Baldock  from  some  infected  cows  that  passd  there. 
It  is  at  Uxbridge  and  many  other  places,  many  of 


88  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF    A 

them  that  give  milk  in  the  morning  are  dead  at 
night.  This  would  be  a  great  Calamity  if  the 
Rebels  were  not  a  greater. 

Lady  Ann  has  given  George  a  blew  and  silver 
coat,  and  Jack  a  pink  and  silver,  much  too  fine  for 
them,  at  least  it  were  now,  when  there  is  not  a 
soul  to  be  seen  but  in  nightgowns  and  tears.  For 
my  part  I  have  not  stird  out  of  my  house  since 
you  went,  not  even  to  my  mother  but  of  a 
Sunday,  tho  indeed  never  alone.  If  I  had  any 
opposite  neighbours,  they  would  think  there  was 
Cabals  here,  since  from  eleven  in  the  morning  till 
1 2  at  night,  there  is  no  rest  to  my  doors,  some  to 
tell  and  some  to  hear  news.  My  ffriends  I  must 
say  have  all  been  very  good  to  me,  tho  such  a 
month  as  this  last  have  I  never  passd  before. 

By  your  steering  to  Oxford,  I  should  imagine 
you  will  return  to  your  Bedford  station.  I  should 
realy  be  glad  to  know  how  you  and  your  men  do, 
for  such  fatigues  I  fear,  must  try  your  Constitu- 
tions. I  pray  God  Wade  may  meet  with  these 
Devils  that  have  harazed  you  all  at  this  rate. 

LETTER  xxxvi. 

STRATTON  STREET,  May  17,  1746. 

My  boys  and  I  am  got  here  togeather  again, 

and  hope  it  will  not  now  be  long  before  we  see 

you.     Lady  Anne  told  me  yesterday  she  heard 

the  new  Regiments  would  be  broke  next  week, 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  89 

tho  her  news  is  not  always  certain.  The  Dukes l 
Answers  to  both  Lords  and  Commons  are  much 
spoke  off  as  being  extremely  well,  with  a  very 
modest  and  pretty  turn  in  them.  If  they  are 
printed,  you  shall  have  them.  I  received  your 
Letter  yesterday  with  that  Perticuler  enclosed 
which  you  desire  to  be  put  in  your  Scrutore 
(Escritoire  ?).  I  have  the  key,  and  shall  do  it 
tomorrow.  I  shall  send  down  the  writings  to 
Doctor  Osborn  next  Wednesday.  John  being  still 
lame  makes  me  behindhand  in  some  of  your 
orders.  .  .  .  The  musick  shall  go  too  if  posible. 

I  have  not  missd  one  post  writeing,  therefore 
tho  you  had  none  the  day  you  wrote,  yet  I  hope 
it  came  to  you  by  the  next.  Tho  George  is  well 
to  me,  yet  if  you  see  him  soon  you  will  be 
frighted,  for  he  is  not  the  same  Child,  and  most 
monstrously  disguised  by  a  Wig  he  has  got  on 
to-day.  His  hair  is  cut  quite  close,  and  as  soon 
as  his  head  can  be  shaved,  it  must  be  so,  and  his 
eyebrows  too.  He  walks  like  a  rickety  child,  in 
short  I  dont  wish  you  to  see  him  this  two  months, 
even  his  voice  is  quite  alterd,  and  does  not  speak 
so  plain  as  when  you  left  him,  but  all  these  things 
are  common  from  the  weakness  his  Ilness  reduced 
him  too.  He  has  as  good  if  not  better  spirits 
than  ever,  but  is  very  pevish.  Jack  looks  like  a 
ghost,  but  yet  he  is  bright  and  in  good  spirits, 
and  they  say  time  will  bring  it  all  right  again.  .  .  . 

1  Duke  of  Cumberland. 


90          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

The  Burgoynes  look  as  bad,  and  so  indeed  do 
the  ffieldings,  they  lodge  next  door  to  us  here. 
They  lay  great  fault  upon  Sir  Roger — they  are 
all  gone  down  to  Sutton. 

I  am,  yr  very  affec., 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xxxvu. 

KENSINGTON,  June  14,  1746. 

The  wind  is  still  in  the  Duke  of  Bedfords 
teeth,  and  he  no  farther  than  Yarmouth.  It  also 
keeps  the  Prince  of  Hesse  here,  he  does  not  go 
till  he  hears  his  Troupes  are  Landed.  He  is 
called  the  drop  to  Lady  Rochfords  earring. 

Thursday  last  was  expected  to  be  a  day  of 
Batle  in  the  House  of  Lords  on  sending  our 
Troupes  abroad,  but  there  proved  to  be  only  two 
speakers.  Lord  Lonsdale,  who  spoke  an  hour 
against  it,  and  was  so  well  answered  by  the  Duke 
of  Newcastle,  that  no  one  else  attempted  to  say 
more,  and  the  expected  long  day  proved  to  be  a 
very  short  one. 

Tis  thought  twill  be  August  before  the  Lords 
can  be  tryd.  After  some  forms  are  past,  the 
Peers  must  have  20  days  notice.  Lady  Cromarty 
is  in  town,  has  been  at  the  Tower  to  enquire 
after  her  Lord.  She  was  at  Williamsons,  and 
cryd  most  bitterly,  but  no  one  is  sufferd  so  much 
as  to  look  up  at  the  windows.  They  were  all 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  91 

brought  into  Williamsons,  and  from  thence  one 
by  one  conducted  to  their  appartment.  No  one 
knows  where  the  other  is,  and  they  are  kept 
prodigious  strict.  Sure  the  King  of  ffrance  has 
orderd  a  most  insolent  Letter,  and  takes  himself 
to  be  King  of  England,  to  forbid  our  punishing 
the  Rebels. 

Is  the  Pretender  got  off  or  not  ?  I  wish  they 
could  have  been  beheaded  at  Edinburgh,  and  not 
make  such  a  long  peice  of  work  as  the  forms  will 
do  here,  tis  thought  the  Parliament  will  set  till 
August.  I  was  not  used  to  a  Lodging,  and 
therfore  not  aware  how  sharp  they  are,  but 
found  my  bills  most  immoderate,  which  my  people 
told  me  they  could  not  turn  their  backs  but  meat, 
bread,  butter,  £c.,  was  stole  away.  I  really 
believe  they  have  keys  themselves  to  take  what 
is  lockd  when  they  have  oppertunity.  There 
was  only  ye  woman  and  girl  in  the  house,  but  her 
husband  and  family  live  vere  near,  and  I  daresay 
was  all  kept,  but  when  mother  was  to  come,  I 
askd  if  she  would  leave  the  house  to  us,  which 
she  did,  and  now  she  is  out,  I  shall  keep  her  so 
after  mother  goes,  for  it  was  intolerable.  Indeed 
I  believe  it  would  have  been  much  cheaper  to  have 
gone  to  Chicksands,  eight  guineas  for  lodging,  and 
living  has  been  very  dear  ever  since  we  came. 

Your  son  George  lost  his  heart  yesterday.  A 
miss  who  came  to  visit  next  door,  came  in  the 
Garden  to  him.  He  lookd  at  her  first  with  sur- 


92  POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF    A 

prise,  then  slyly  lead  her  to  the  Arbor  where  I 
was  setting,  and  desired  me  to  set  her  up  by  him, 
which  I  did.  After  he  had  looked  at  her  some 
time,  he  strokd  her  face,  and  kissd  her,  he  then 
shewd  her  his  watch,  gatherd  a  rose,  and  brought 
it  to  her.  You  would  have  dyed  with  laughing 
to  see  the  courtship.  There  was  another  girl  not 
half  so  handsome,  he  never  took  the  least  notice 
of  her,  but  Jack  kissd  them  both,  and  was  happy 
with  either.  As  soon  as  George  was  up  this 
morning,  he  desired  to  go  into  the  garden  to  see 
if  miss  was  there,  a  good  fine  girl  indeed  she  is. 

By  a  letter  from  Bath,  Aunt  Ann  Master  is 
better  already,  all  the  yallow  gone  from  her  eyes 
and  skin.  ...  I  hope  she  will  do  well,  her  Loss 
would  be  irreparable  to  my  mother,  who  is  chear- 
full  and  easy  here,  tho  a  sad  place  for  her  to  be  in. 
There  was  a  farmhouse  that  with  a  coach  would 
have  been  very  agreeable,  but  without  one  very 
inconvenient.  I  now  wish  to  have  it,  but  it  is  let. 
We  go  out  airing  every  day,  and  your  boys 
with  us.  ... 

LETTER  xxxvni. 

[This  letter  is  written  immediately  after  the  death  of 
Sarah's  brother  George,  third  Viscount  Torrington.  The 
"  Brother  Byng "  referred  to  is  her  youngest  brother 
Edward.  "  Daniel "  is  probably  a  brother  of  George's 
widow,  whose  family  name  it  was.  It  appears  that 
Lord  Torrington  in  his  will  has  bequeathed  the  London 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  93 

house  to  her,  and  Sarah  is  indignant  that  her  mother 
should,  at  her  age,  be  forced  to  give  it  up.  She  writes 
to  Sir  Danvers  to  beg  him  to  use  his  influence  on  her 
behalf.] 

STRATTON  STREET,  April  8,  1750. 

I  cannot  help  sending  to  you.  My  Brother 
Byng  came  to  town  this  morning,  seems  much 
out  of  sorts  that  he  is  not  namd,  is  glad  you  are, 
that  some  one  who  has  regard  for  the  family  is, 
outragious  that  the  house  is  given  to  sister  to 
have  it  took  from  Mother  for  that  purpose. 
Daniel  I  fear  has  been  too  stiff  with  him.  He 
askd  Daniel  what  was  Mother  to  do.  He  said  he 
did  not  know.  "  Sure  she  is  not  to  be  turnd  out 
when  she  can  live  so  short  a  time."  He  said 
house  was  to  be  let. 

For  God  sake  make  my  sister  and  Daniel 
sensible  they  should  not  disoblidge  him.  He 
seems  varstly  netled  with  Daniel.  I  think  he 
will  act  the  lawyer  and  not  the  gentleman.  Sure 
they  must  live  as  they  do  for  at  least  one  twelve- 
month, some  credit  to  be  thought  off,  some 
decency  in  regard  to  my  mother.  She  should  not 
be  tossd  about,  cannot  live  long.  Brother  Byng 
talks  of  going  down  soon  again,  and  therefore  I 
do  this  that  you  may  prepare  Daniel,  for  if  he 
and  sister  do  not  think  it  worth  while  to  oblidge 

o 

and  give  way  in  some  measure,  Bro.  Byng  will 
forget  he  has  that  nephew.  As  he  says,  his 
Brother  forgot  there  was  such  an  individual  as 


94          POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

himself.  They  may  endeavour,  but  it  will  not  be 
posible  to  let  the  house,  they  should  at  least  offer 
him  to  be  the  person.  He  would  like  it  I  dare- 
say, on  his  own  terms,  which  would  be  perhaps,  to 
keep  it  up,  and  he  would  keep  Mother  in  it,  at  least 
till  farther  consideration.  Let  sister  go  to  Votes  if 
she  likes  it,  but  Mother  must  not  be  disgracefully 
hurried  about.  Daniels  surly  temper  will  ruin 
his  nephew,  if  he  dont  take  care.  You  must 
soften  it. 

Are  your  boys  to  have  grey,  and  who  must 
make  it  for  them  ?  George  puts  on  the  man 
I  assure  you,  looks  and  is  very  well.  He  set 
down  imediatly  to  write  this  as  soon  as  he  came 
home.  He  got  a  gramar  in  your  room,  and  all 
done  before  I  saw  it,  ruled  it  himself  as  you  see, 
and  being  so  awry,  I  ruled  a  paper  for  him,  and 
he  wrote  it  again  this  morning.  He  will  go  to 
Mrs.  Hawkins  tonight — says  he  got  a  place  by 
telling  a  boy  a  word  he  did  not  know. 

For  God  sake  take  care  Mother.  Consider  she 
is  80.  Aunt  Martha  very  ill,  St.  Anthonys  fire. 

I  am,  yr  very  affect., 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xxxix. 

LONDON,  October  14,  1750. 
Chicksands  Affaires. 

Halkins  and  Pears  have  finishd  all  you  orderd. 
The  roof  could  not  be  done  before  Harvest,  the 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  95 

fear  of  weather  spoiling  the  ceilings  oblidged  me 
to  let  them  be  ten  days  in  the  Harvest  to  finish  it. 

The  Bedchamber,  drawingroom,  and  antyroom 
floors  are  laid,  but  not  planed,  as  there  will  be 
whitewashing  and  painting,  &c.,  next  year. 
Everyone  and  even  Pears  himself  said  it  was 
better  it  should  be  the  last  thing  done.  The 
staires  are  done,  and  Brome  Closet  put  up  on 
them,  also  the  Corner  Dressingroom,  and  bords 
put  to  the  windows  there.  The  antiroom  and 
drawingroom  chimneys  are  finished,  and  all  the 
windows  as  you  orderd.  The  antiroom  chimney 
does  not  smoke,  the  other  I  did  not  try. 

The  chimney  wall  in  the  little  green  room  was 
not  dry  enough  to  put  up  the  green  paper. 

The  Tapistry  is  packd  up  in  the  Gallery  for  you 
to  approve.  I  could  not  undertake  to  finish  it 
without  your  oppinion.  There  is  enough  for  one 
side  and  both  ends,  and  if  you  would  give  up  any 
carpets,  near  half  enough  for  the  other  side. 
Bradshaw  says  he  has  some  will  match  yl  will 
come  as  cheap  as  paper.  The  pictures  are  all 
collected  together  and  packd  up  in  the  antiroom, 
except  the  one  over  your  Harpsichord,  which  I 
did  not  care  to  remove.  Lady  Temple  is  there, 
also  the  Scripture  piece  removed  from  this  parlour, 
and  from  being  a  cut-throat  room,  will  I  daresay 
when  finished,  be  the  most  agreeable  one  in 
the  house.  Many  that  were  at  Chicksands  this 
summer  said  that  ^  length  philosopher,  as  we 


96  POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

calld  it,  was  a  very  good  one.  A  person  who 
knew  it  said  it  was  Dun  Scotus,  a  very  learned 
man,  who  livd  in  the  14  Century,  as  is  known  by 
manuscript  of  his  own  at  Oxford. 

There  is  no  tapistry  behind  the  Reformers  in 
the  Bedchamber,  therefore  they  remain  as  they 
were. 

The  Library  is  very  well  cleand,  some  books 
there  was  spoilt  with  mould. 

Murthers  od  Jobs  were  double  what  you 
expected,  and  the  Carpender  did  not  end  till 
Michaelmas  day,  and  came  to  more  also,  the  one 
3  shillings  and  the  other  4  shillings.  Extra- 
ordinary. No  fresh  order  to  either,  only  finishd 
what  you  orderd.  All  is  paid  to  the  day  I  came 
away,  and  no  Workman  left  there. 

I  sent  George  up  with  George  Byng,  who 
came  down  with  him,  and  spent  the  Holydays  at 
Chicksands.  Lord  Torrington,  Robert  Byng  and 
Bullock,  and  K.  Scott  were  at  Southill,  so  they 
all  came  and  went  together,  and  was  exact  to  the 
school  time.  I  stayd  a  fortnight  after  to  see  all 
clean.  Everything  left  perpectly  so  when  I  came 
away,  but  you  must  not  expect  it  will  keep  from 
vermin  without  a  maid  in  it.  Mary  Meagar  who 
married  from  me  last  year  has  offerd  her  services, 
and  was  when  with  me  a  very  good  servant,  but  I 
could  say  to  her  no  more  than  that  ...  I  would 
recommend  her  if  you  took  any  one.  Indeed 
your  house  will  suffer  more  than  six  times  her 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  97 

wages,  and  even  now  that  only  four  men  are  left, 
they  must  hire  to  wash,  etc. 

19  July.  Nat  went  to  Southill  at  six  in  the 
morning  to  have  Toby  shod.  A  shepherd  and 
dog  came  short  from  a  hedg  upon  him,  he  started 
and  threw  the  boy,  who  lay  some  time  not  able  to 
stir.  The  horse  ran  away,  got  his  foot  in  the 
bridle  which  throwd  him  down  just  at  Southill 
gate.  Cut  his  knees  terribly,  not  able  for  Mr. 
Denbigh  to  ride  till  the  week  I  came  away. 

The  same  evening  Thorn  Green  rode  Magot  to 
water,  and  led  the  blind  one,  who  soon  began  to 
plunge  and  turn  round  several  times  (has  done  so 
before  in  the  stable,  and  had  been  blooded). 
Green  at  last  oblidged  to  quit  the  halter.  The 
workmen  and  all  ran  to  help,  but  could  not  save 
him  or  get  him  out  till  he  was  dead.  The  same 
day  the  grey  horse  was  taken  with  a  fever.  Ben 
Squire  attended  him  3  weeks  and  then  he  dyed. 
Many  people  lost  horses,  such  heat  was  hardly 
ever  rememberd,  and  they  would  work  them  in 
the  midle  of  the  day  as  usal.  I  then  said  we 
should  kill  all  the  horses  if  they  would  do  so,  but 
women  are  fools.  I  am  unlucky  in  foreseeing 
events  I  cannot  prevent.  The  workmen  tyling, 
were  like  poor  Creatures  on  a  Gridyron,  so  spent, 
oblidged  to  change  the  hours,  and  work  early  and 
late,  Nutkins  himself  at  2  in  the  morning.  But  the 
poor  horses  could  not  groan  out  their  suffering. 
Such  extreme  heat  for  so  long  were  very  unusal. 


98       POLITICAL  AND  SOCIAL  LETTERS  OF  A 

LETTER  XL. 

[This  letter  is  in  the  form  of  a  Journal,  and  relates  all 
events  between  May  and  October  1750.] 

June  23. — Captain  Sheldon  took  a  'house 
ready  furnished  at  Ampthill  for  six  guineas 
a  year. 

Jidy  6. — Mr.  Pecks  dyed  of  a  mortification, 
lifting  a  person  over  a  gate.  Her  pocket 
hitched  upon  it,  which  he  prest  upon  to 
prevent  her  falling,  and  a  small  key  burst 
through  his  body. 

July  10,  n,  13. — The  most  extream  heat 
ever  known  in  England,  and  indeed  for  ten 
days  continued  to  a  high  degree. 

July  1 6. — The  most  terible  thunder  and 
lightening  I  ever  heard.  Hailstones  as  large 
as  pigeons  eggs,  some  at  Shefford  three 
inches  round. 

Aug.  i. — Lady  Torrington  a  month  at 
Votes,  her  mother  ill,  but  old  women  dont 
dye. 

Aug.  8. — Duke  of  Richmond  dyed  of  violent 
fever,  twas  said  from  the  excessive  heat  at 
Installation.  He  has  left  all  his  houses  and 
everything  to  the  Dutches.  Mr.  ffox  has 
behaved  like  an  angel  to  her,  shared  all  her 
afflictions  and  troubles.  [Mr.  Fox,  afterwards 
Lord  Holland,  had  married  the  Duke's 
second  daughter.]  Such  maloncholy  scenes 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.  99 

have  been  there,  is  not  to  be  repeated. 
How  short  is  our  Light !  The  daughter 
[Duchess  of  Leinster]  married  to  ambitious 
views  is  a  thorn  in  her  side,  while  that  which 
disoblidged  her,  and  was  never  to  expect 
forgiveness,  turns  out  her  great  and  only 
comfort,  both  her  and  him  showing  the 
greatest  tenderness. 

Aug.  14. — Admiral  Byng  thrown  down  in 
his  park  by  a  buck  .  .  .  now  gone  to  Bath, 
and  surprizingly  recovered. 

Brother  Peter  Osborn  is  2nd  Captain  of 
Greenwich  Hospital,  ^200  a  year,  an  apart- 
ment there,  coals,  candle,  brooms,  etc.  Prince 
and  Princess  of  Wales  three  days  at  Ports- 
mouth Dock.  They  were  highly  honourd 
by  their  civilitys,  left  30  gineas  to  the  servants. 

Sep. — Mr.  Alston  to  marry  Miss  Bovey. 
She  is  19,  has  ^1500  a  year,  and  ,£10,000 
in  money,  which  Sir  Rowland  takes  and 
setles  Odell  and  £1700  a  year  in  present. 
Land  wont  pay  batchelor  Debts,  and  od  Jobs, 
weding  expenses,  and  fit  up  Odel,  and  then 
must  be  crampt  for  life.  An  Upholster  was 
sent  down  to  ffurnish  her  house  at  Slow, 
where  they  are  at  present. 

Harry  Legg  married  to  Lord  Stowels 
daughter,  at  present  Heiress  Aparent  to 
£6000  a  year. 

Burgoyn  has  the  Measels  at  Eton,  is  now 


TOO        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF    A 

brought    down    to    Sutton,    very    far    from 
well. 

Earthquakes  in  Northamptonshire,  Leices- 
tershire, and  the  adjacent  Counties.  Lord 
Halifax  felt  it  at  Horton,  Lord  Northampton 
at  his  house,  Mr.  Wright  at  his.  No  damage 
done,  but  it  is  very  unpleasent  to  find  the 
earth  as  unquiet  as  ourselves.  I  am  very 
sure  it  was  about  the  same  time  at  Chick- 
sands,  none  but  my  self  awake  in  the 
house,  and  therefore  none  sensible  of  it, 
the  Jog  and  Ratle  of  the  Windows  the 
same  of  that  in  London.  I  own  I  was  alarmd, 
got  up  and  found  it  2  o'clock,  but  none 
else  has  yet  said  it  was  felt  in  Bedford- 
shire. 

Octr. — Lady  Caroline  Collier  to  have  Sir 
Nathanael  Carsons  son.  Lathams  mother 
dead  and  Medcalf  aunt.  Eldest  Miss 
Hotham  dead. 

Lady  Hervey  and  her  son,  the  Captain, 
gone  to  live  at  Paris,  taken  a  house  for  2 
year.  I  wish  I  could  buy  her  house  in  the 
Park,  they  say  it  is  to  be  sold.  You  will 
think  it  a  mad  wish. 

Lord  and  Lady  Halifax  in  town,  neither  of 
them  well. 

Lady  Ann  and  her  dear  gone  a  progress 
into  the  North.  Lumley  Castle  designd 
for  Scotland,  but  I  hear  are  returning. 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.          IOI 

Lady  Betty  in  Warwickshire  very  far  from 
well. 

Lady  Bab  at  Bath,  her  Miss  Robinsons 
Mr.  Scot  is  made  Preceptor  to  Prince 
George,  and  tis  said  Lord  North  his  Gover- 
nor, but  I  am  told  he  is  not  to  be  calld  so, 
and  sure  upon  no  other  foot  he  can  serve  him. 

The  Doctor  (Osborn)  is  going  the  high  road 
after  his  sister  Betty  if  some  care  is  not  taken,  he 
ownd  to  me  his  Life  was  a  burden  he  was  not 
able  to  bear,  and  many  things  when  we  meet  will 
confirm  my  fears.  Love  and  preferment  on  the 
foundations.  God  knows  how  it  will  end.  Som- 
thing  should  be  done  to  take  him  from  the  present 
scene. 

One  of  the  Wandesford's  married,  the  other 
going  to  live  with  Sister  Margaret.  Southill, 
Bennet  Street,  and  all  else  I  think  as  you  left 
them,  as  is 

yr.  affect. 

Tis  thought  the  King  will  be  here  next  month, 
and  no  Parliament  till  after  Xmas.  The  town 
is  a  desart,  therefore  see  no  Creature  that  knows 
truth. 

Lord  Plymouth  married,  poor  girl,  is  it  posible 
she  can  be  happy  ?  Your  boys  both  very  well, 
long  for  your  return,  send  Duty. 

Mr.  Beacher  struck  with  dead  palsie  the  day 
before  I  left  Bedfordshire,  but  dont  hear  yet  he  is 
dead. 


IO2        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

I  forget  if  Brownsel  dyed  before  you  went,  and 
left  all  to  Orlebar. 

You  dont  like  letters,  therefore  only  send  you 
a  sort  of  Journal. 

LETTER  XLI. 

STRATTON  STREET,  April  9,  1751. 

George  has  been  extremely  ill  since  Sunday. 
I  could  no  longer  than  that  day  defer  sending  for 
Cox.  Both  he  and  I,  who  indeed  have  no  judg- 
ment, thought  him  very  bad  ...  he  greatly 
relievd  him,  ...  at  night  he  was  blisterd  and 
is  better  today,  and  at  present  in  no  danger,  tho 
not  yet  able  to  Lift  his  head  from  the  pillow. 

This  has  been  repeated  neglected  colds.  Two 
guineas  a  month  ago  had  saved  many  now,  for 
this  is  attended  with  much  expence.  Cox  has 
had  3  guineas  already,  and  been  here  twice  a  day 
for  it.  Guy  and  Hicks  with  blisters,  Bleeding, 
etc.  Latham's  illness  has  been  terrible  too,  and 
most  unlucky  at  this  time,  not  yet  out  of  her  bed, 
except  an  hour  or  two  in  the  day.  Master  John 
has  a  dreadfull  hourse  Cough,  but  hope  to  prevent 
his  being  ill.  Asses  milk  has  already  made  him 
better,  and  no  one  able  to  be  about  them  but  my 
self,  who  should  be  in  bed  too,  if  old  fashion 
affection  did  not  keep  me  in  their  service,  for 
there  is  much  more  to  do  than  you  imagine. 
George  is  in  your  bed,  Jack  in  mine.  Sister 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         103 

Margaret  Osborn  set  up  last  night,  and  today  I 
have  got  Sympson,  for  I  have  not  been  in  bed 
two  hours  at  a  time  these  5  nights.  Tis  un- 
lucky to  employ  so  many  people,  but  no  remedy 
now.  All  this  will  incur  your  farther  displeasure, 
but  I  am  unable  to  help  it.  When  they  are  in 
other  hands,  I  hope  many  expenses  will  be  saved, 
tho  I  wish  you  may  not  find  experiments  of  their 
Constitutions  fatal. 

I  am,  yr  affect. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  XLII. 
STRATTON  STREET,  May  28,  1751. 

The  duel  which  was  in  the  papers  last  Satur- 
day is  a  most  malancholy  affaire.  Mr.  Dalton 
was  very  soon  to  marry  one  of  the  Miss  Greens, 
and  a  snuff  box  which  he  had  given  her  was 
taken  from  her  by  Mr.  Paul,  who  told  her  she 
took  so  much  snuff  that  he  would  keep  it. 
Dalton  said  he  insisted  he  should  not,  but  give 
it  to  him,  so  from  Jest  to  Earnest  wrested  it  out 
of  his  hand,  and  Miss  Green  had  her  box  re- 
turnd.  At  night  Paul  went  to  Dalton's  house  in 
Hill  Street,  not  finding  him  at  home,  he  sat  down 
in  his  Parlour,  wrote  a  letter  in  which  he  said  he 
had  used  him  rufHey,  and  that  he  expected  he 
should  ask  his  pardon,  or  give  him  satisfaction 
like  a  gentleman,  and  sent  his  Servant  with  it 
where  he  suppd,  and  to  say  that  he  should  wait 


104       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

there  till  he  came  home,  which  he  immediately 
did.  Both  their  chairs  waited  at  the  door,  and 
they  sent  the  Servant  to  stay  in  the  Kitchen  till 
they  calld,  and  not  to  let  anyone  in  that  knockd. 
Dalton  said,  if  they  must  fight,  the  present  time 
was  best,  so  drawd  their  swords.  In  the  scufle 
the  Candles  and  Tables  were  thrown  down,  and 
one  of  them  said,  "  Don't  let  us  fight  in  the  dark, 
peace  till  we  fetch  the  Candle  out  of  the  Hall," 
but  it  was  soon  over,  and  Paul  went  out  of  the 
door,  gave  his  chairmen  2  shillings  to  discharge 
them,  and  went  for  Hawkins  the  surgeon  (the 
only  circumstance  in  his  favour)  to  go  for  Dalton, 
for  he  believd  he  had  killd  him,  then  run  to  Lord 
Ravensworth  to  tell  him  his  misfortune,  who 
advised  him  to  get  off  directly.  Tis  only  from 
what  he  told  Lord  Ravensworth  that  the  above 
perticulers  are  known,  for  the  poor  man  never 
spoke.  Upon  the  street  door  shutting,  the 
Servant  ran  up,  found  his  master  stone  dead  upon 
the  flour.  He  ran  to  Mr.  Wright  in  Groves 
Street,  who  was  Daltons  uncle,  they  sent  for 
Midleton,  who  came  ten  minits  before  Hawkins, 
therefore  suspected  Paul  did  not  go  to  Hawkins 
till  he  was  advised  to  do  so.  They  found  the 
Challenge  in  Dalton's  pocket,  and  the  appearance 
of  a  very  unfair  Wound,  it  being  on  the  contrary 
side  of  his  heart  and  lungs.  The  swords  both  lay 
by  him.  Dalton's  was  much  hackd,  and  all 
Tallow.  He  knew  nothing  of  a  sword,  and  the 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         1 05 

other  fenced  well,  nevertheless  most  people  think 
he  had  the  mortal  wound  after  he  was  down,  tho 
the  Surgeons  endeavour  to  make  it  posible  to  be 
otherways.  The  Coroners  Inquest  was  not 
finished  till  last  night,  and  brought  it  in  Wilfull 
Murder. 

Daltons  father  lost  another  son  this  week  of 
the  small  pox,  and  Miss  Green  has  neither  shut 
her  eyes,  or  spoke  since.  I  pitty  Paul's  parents,  but 
he  did  this  too  premeditated  to  escape  hanging. 

Miss  Bishopp  is  to  have  Sir  William  Maynhard. 
He  setles  very  handsom,  desires  no  present 
fortune,  but  to  have  her  share  with  the  others 
when  Sir  Cecil  dyes.  I  daresay  she  will  make  him 
a  good  wife.  Gratitude  ought  to  make  her  do  it. 

This  is  Sir  Cecils  lucky  year.  His  mother  has 
dyed,  by  whom  he  has  got  ^2000  a  year,  he  has 
also  a  place  of  ^500  a  year  in  ye  Ordanance,  his 
son  Page  to  the  Prince  of  Wales,  and  his  daughter 
to  be  soon  so  well  married. 

Large  family s  in  general  are  more  lucky  than 
small  ones.  Too  much  anxiety  is  not  pleasing  to 
Heaven,  I  hardly  ever  knew  it  succeed.  Self, 
self,  self  can  never  prosper,  for  Happyness  or 
Content  is  not  to  be  purchased  by  Money. 

LETTER  XLIII. 

LONDON,  June  19,  1751. 

George  is  as  much  better  as  posible.  He  set 
in  my  Dressingroom  yesterday,  and  today  has 


IO6        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

been  in  the  Park,  is  weak  but  well,  eates  and 
sleeps,  and  therefore  I  hope  will  be  fit  for  school 
Sunday  evening.  I  went  to  Westminster  last 
night,  found  poor  Jack  in  tears,  had  been  taken 
ill  about  half  an  hour.  ...  I  am  an  unfortu- 
nate mortal,  always  run  into  the  mouth  of  some 
ill  luck  or  other,  and  therefore  instink  carryd  me 
down  to  see  him — you  three  divide  my  heart, 
therefore  if  you  think  I  shall  be  too  far  from  them, 
I  will  not  go  to  Brother  Byng  this  summer. 

I  conclude  I  may  send  for  Master  John  to 
dinner  on  Sunday.  I  shall  send  again  to  know 

how  he  is. 

I  am  yr  affect. 

S.  O. 

I  have  seen  the  plan  of  Lord  Berkeleys 
Ground.  It  is  120  feet  deep,  and  Stables  is 
to  be  where  Philips  says,  but  you  see  I  pay  the 
ground  rent  of  those  stables.  .  .  . 

George  is  gone,  sends  his  Duty,  but  says  he 
must  not  write  to  you  till  Saterday. 

LETTER  XLIV. 

STRATTON  STREET,  June  29,  1751. 

Both  your  sons  are  very  well,  I  sent  John  this 
evening.  They  dine  at  Sister  Byngs  tomorrow. 
I  conclude  you  gave  them  order  if  you  would  have 
them  write  to  you. 

Mr.  King,  my  landlord,  has  his  new  house  just 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         1 07 

finished,  entirely  burnt  down,  tis  thought  to  be 
maliciously  done.  I  suppose  the  workmen  were 
disoblidged  that  he  had  not  been  generous  to 
them.  Tis  terible  we  are  brought  to  be  subject 
to  the  mob. 

Lord  Tilney  went  from  Wansted,  as  his  family 
thought  to  London  for  a  few  days,  but  he  wrote 
to  his  sister  from  thence  that  he  was  going  to 
Paris  and  perhaps  to  Italy  for  three  years.  The 
town  says  he  Is  gone  with  Lord  Southwell  and 
Strickland  to  Spaa,  and  that  they  will  fill  their 
pockets  before  they  part  with  him. 

The  Princess  of  Wales  returns  to  Leicester 
House  tomorrow. 

I  am,  yr  affect. 

S.   O. 

LETTER  XLV. 
STRATTON  STREET,  July  30,  1751. 

MY  DEAR  DANVERS, — I  have  a  persentiment  of 
coming  evil  ...  to  our  family,  why  I  know  not, 
but  tis  to  be  hoped  I  am  mistaken.  We  have 
had  enough,  God  knows,  but  if  it  comes,  we  must 
meet  it  with  fortitude  and  resignation.  At  present 
we  are  all  well  here. 

Lord  and  Lady  Torrington  and  Daniel  came 
to  Kit's  End  by  ten  a  Sunday,  and  he  stayd  there 
last  night,  and  dind  with  Sister  Torrington  at 
Hendon.  Tis  to  be  much  hoped  that  they  went 
on  well  together,  and  that  she  held  her  tongue 


IOS        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

in  check.  Women  somtimes  find  it  hard  to  do 
so,  they  say,  tho  I  dont  find  it  so. 

Sister  Torrington  is  again  ill  with  some  dis- 
tressing indisposition,  kept  her  bed  Saterday  and 
Sunday,  but  is  better.  Sister  Torrington  returnd 
to  Southill  today  in  Brothers  Chariot  to  Stevenage, 
but  they  would  not  let  her  go  alone,  so  Ned,  tho 
very  bad,  was  goodnatured  and  went  with  her. 
They  were  to  take  postchaise  from  Stevenage, 
and  after  he  had  baited  himself  and  horses,  he 
returns  the  same  way  to  Stevenage,  and  then  in 
Brothers  Chariot  home. 

I  cannot  say  Sister  Margaret  Osborn  met  with 
so  much  complaisance,  for  the  Doctor  forgot  to 
send  his  Chariot,  that  when  she  came  to  Wellwyn 
she  was  distressd,  and  oblidged  to  take  a  post- 
chaise  to  Stevenage,  and  there  was  none  to  come 
farther,  but  one  that  the  poor  horses  were  just 
come  in  and  tyerd.  However  she  and  the 
postillions  came  along,  and  I  suppose  she  had 
not  a  joyful  meeting  with  the  Doctor,  for  both 
would  be  out  of  humour.  I  must  say  it  was  a 
very  disagreeable  thing  to  go  alone  in  that  manner, 
but  there  is  a  rurfness  in  the  blood  of  the  Osborns 
that  one  does  not  generally  meet  with.  Duke  of  St. 
Albans  dyed  a  Saterday.  Some  give  the  Constable 
of  Windsor  to  the  Duke,  as  it  greatly  interferes 
with  the  fforest,  and  all  his  Teritorys  there  about. 

There  is  not  a  silable  of  news,  at  least  that  I 
hear.  The  Town  is  now  empty,  and  I  have  not 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         IOQ 

seen  a  soul  except  Brother  Byng.  This  morning- 
he  brought  nephew  Torrington  as  he  was  carry- 
ing him  to  school.  He  desired  me  to  say  that  he 
fears  Joynes  has  forgot  the  model  of  your  large 
roler,  he  beggs  you  will  refresh  his  memory. 

He  believes  he  shall  go  to  Southill  for  few  days 
at  Bartholomews,  to  carry  the  boy,  and  then  he  will 
give  him  somthing,  but  he  did  not  bid  me  say  so. 

You  will  be  tyerd  reading  nonsense  from 
your  very  affec.  Mother, 

S.  O. 

LETTER  XLVI. 
CHICKSANDS,  September  3,  1751. 

The  reason  I  trouble  you  with  this  is  only  being 
Brother  Byngs  secretary.  He  intends  spending 
a  week  at  Southill,  and  my  sister  Byng  is  to  go 
with  him  there.  If  it  suit  your  schemes  to  have  all 
the  boys  come  up  as  they  went  down,  he  will  pay 
half  the  Coach,  and  sister  and  he  go  down  in  it  to 
Southill.  This  is  no  proposition  of  mine,  and  I 
wish  they  would  write  their  own  letters,  and  not 
trouble  me  with  what  I  have  nothing  to  do. 

He  also  desires  to  know  what  day  you  fix  for 
the  boys  to  come,  that  they  may  be  ready  to 
your  time.  They  propose  a  postchaise  back  to 
Stevenage,  but  that  I  have  no  commission  to  say, 
and  indeed  needless  to  ad  that  a  large  coach  and 
cold  weather  Latham  might  squeeze  in.  To 
oblidge  you  I  shall  not  be  of  their  partie.  I 


I  IO        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

wish  you  would  let  George  ad  in  his  letter  to  me 
that  you  had  received  Hardings  note  from  me.  .  .  . 

Sunday  Brother  Edward  went  to  Kits  End  for 
some  time,  and  I  with  him  for  a  few  hours  visite. 
I  never  see  the  owner  better,  quite  happy  there, 
talks  of  keeping  it  warm  the  whole  winter,  spends 
his  time  chearfull,  and  comfortable  with  his  Old 
Dame  as  he  calls  her.  Whats  matter  what  it  is  ? 
If  people  can  be  happy  at  pushpin,  tis  as  enter- 
taining to  them  as  the  most  refind  satisfaction  to 
those  of  a  more  exalted  genius.  Since  happyness 
is  not  confind  to  any  situation,  and  it  is  a  very 
vain  pursuit,  I  conclude  it  praiseworthy  to  let  the 
mind  fall  till  it  sinks  into  nothing,  and  forget  what 
God  created  us  for. 

Poor  Edward  I  left  there,  I  think  worse  than 
ever  I  saw  him.  He  says  he  went  ill  to  Danbury, 
and  was  so  all  the  time  he  was  there.  I  am  sure 
was  very  bad  all  the  week  he  was  in  town,  .  .  . 
cannot  eate,  or  has  strength  or  spirit  left.  Wether 
the  Old  Dame  can  nurse  him  up  or  not  I  cannot 
say,  but  tis  maloncholy  to  see  him  so.  Insted  of 
growing  hardend  as  I  grow  older,  I  every  day 
find  myself  less  fit  for  this  world.  Such  a  crowd 
of  disagreeable  reflections  pressd  upon  me  as  I 
returnd  from  my  visite,  that  I  cannot  even  yet 
shake  off  the  effect  of  it  from  my  mind. 
I  am  and  must  ever  be, 

your  very  affectionate  Mother, 

S.  OSBORN. 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         Ill 

Lady  Pembroke  to  marry  Captain  Barnet  of 
the  Cards,  a  very  agreeable  man,  some  thousands 
less  than  nothing,  but  her  lord  left  her  ^1200  to 
assist  him.  Thanks  for  the  cowcumbers. 

LETTER  XLVII. 

STRATTON  STREET,  Oct.  3,  1751. 

I  believe  I  shall  not  set  out  for  Southill  till  near 
Wednesday,  unless  worse  letters  should  come  from 
there,  so  that  if  it  is  convenient  to  you  to  send  a 
horse  for  John  to  Hatfield  on  Tuesday,  I  should 
be  oblidged  to  you,  but  don't  do  it  without  it  is  so. 
If  we  find  one  there,  it  is  well ;  if  not,  that  will  be 
well  too.  What  slow  journeys  we  make  in  these 
days !  It  takes  days  to  get  to  where  our  wishes 
are  to  be.  Will  it  always  be  so  ? 

Poor  Edward  still  ill  ...  tis  shocking  to  see 
all  our  family  going  before  one.  How  few  left ! 

The  Admiral  here,  and  pretty  well,  desires 
me  to  ad  his  respects,  with  the  affection  of 

yours, 

S.  O. 

I  am  now  58  yeares  old,  wishing  time  to  be  no 
more,  but  that  must  be  as  Heaven  decrees. 

[This  is  the  last  letter  of  Mrs.  Osborn  to  her  son. 
Indeed,  it  is  the  last  letter  of  hers  for  nearly  fifteen  years. 
Sir  Danvers  died  in  1753,  and  the  next  time  Sarah 
resumes  her  pen,  it  is  to  address  her  grandson.  But 
before  passing  on  to  this  period,  it  becomes  necessary  to 


112        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

introduce  the   sad   story  of    her  unfortunate   brother, 
Admiral  Byng.] 

Although  the  trial  and  execution  of  Admiral 
Byng  are  matters  of  history,  and  as  such  are 
familiar  to  most  of  us,  it  will  not  be  thought  out 
of  place  to  give  here  a  brief  account  of  the 
circumstances  connected  with  them.  In  the  year 
1756,  when  repeated  advice  had  been  received  at 
London  that  the  French  meditated  a  descent  upon 
the  island  of  Minorca,  Admiral  Byng  was  selected 
to  command  a  fleet  for  the  defence  of  that  place. 
I  quote  the  rest  from  Macaulay,  who  was  a  warm 
partisan  of  the  Admiral's,  and  defended  his  con- 
duct throughout.  "  The  Admiral  .  .  .  did  not 
think  fit  to  engage  the  French  squadron,  and 
sailed  back  without  having  effected  his  purpose. 
The  people  were  inflamed  to  madness  .  .  .  the 
city  of  London  called  for  vengeance  .  .  .  the 
people  were  not  in  a  mood  to  be  trifled  with  .  .  . 
their  cry  was  for  blood." 

Minorca  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  French,  and 
Admiral  Byng  was  brought  back  to  England,  tried 
by  court  martial,  acquitted  of  the  charges  of 
cowardice  and  disaffection,  but  convicted  of  an 
error  in  judgment.  He  was  sentenced  to  be  shot, 
but  with  a  strong  recommendation  to  mercy.  In 
spite  of  the  popular  clamour  against  him,  a  large 
number  of  people  espoused  his  cause,  and  threw 
the  blame  of  the  disaster  on  the  Ministry,  for 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         113 

having  provided  him  with  a  fleet  quite  inadequate 
to  the  task  imposed  on  him.  Pitt  pleaded  his 
cause  in  person  with  the  King,  and  reported  that 
the  House  of  Commons  seemed  inclined  to  mercy. 
Macaulay  gives  the  King's  answer.  "  Sir,"  he 
said,  "  you  have  taught  me  to  look  for  the  sense 
of  my  people  in  other  places  than  the  House  of 
Commons."  It  was  evident  that  there  was  to  be 
no  reprieve  for  Byng,  and  his  sentence  was  carried 
out  on  March  14,  1757,  on  board  the  Monarque, 
where  he  met  his  fate  with  great  courage.  The 
accompanying  testimonial  to  his  reputation,  written 
to  M.  Voltaire  by  the  Duke  of  Richlieu,  who 
commanded  the  French  forces  on  that  occasion, 
in  which  he  asserts  that  the  English  fleet  would 
have  certainly  been  destroyed  had  it  persisted  in 
an  attack,  is  of  great  weight  as  coming  from  so 
competent  a  judge. 

M.  Voltaire  himself  enclosed  it  to  Admiral 
Byng,  and  the  letter  is  dated  January  2nd,  1757, 
written  from  his  retreat  at  Les  Delices,  near 
Geneva.  The  original  is  at  Chicksands  Priory. 

SIR, — Tho'  I  am  almost  unknown  to  you,  I 
think  tis  my  duty  to  send  you  the  copy  of  the 
letter  which  I  have  just  received  from  the 
Marshall  Duke  of  Richlieu.  Honour,  humanity, 
and  equity  order  me  to  convey  it  into  your  hands. 
This  noble  and  unexpected  testimony  from  one  of 

the  most  candid,  as  well  as  the  most  generous  of 

H 


114       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

my  countrymen,  makes  me  presume  your  Judges 
will  do  you  the  same  justice. 
I  am,  with  respect, 

your  most  humble  obedient  Servant, 

VOLTAIRE. 

Copy  of  the  Due  de  Richlieu's  letter,  written  at  Paris, 
December  26,  1756. 

"  Le  sort  de  1'Amiral  Byng  me  fait  grand  pitie. 
Je  vous  assure  qtie  tout  ce  que  j'a  vu  et  scu  de 
lui  ne  devoit  tourner  qu'  a  sa  gloire  :  elle  ne  doit 
point  etre  attaquee  quand  on  a  ete  battu,  apres 
avoir  fait  tout  ce  qu'on  pouvoit  attendre.  II  faut 
bien  que  quand  deux  honnetes  gens  se  battent, 
il  y  en  ait  un  qui  oie  du  Desavantage,  sans  que 
cela  lui  faire  tort.  Toutes  les  manoeuvres  de 
I'Amiral  Byng  ont  ete  admirables,  au  dire  naturel 
de  tous  nos  marines,  les  Forces  Violent  au  moins 
egalles,  puis  que  les  Anglois  avoient  treize  Vais- 
seaux,  et  que  nous  en  avions  douze  avec  des 
Equipages  plus  nombreux  et  plus  fraix.  Le  Hazard 
qui  preside  a  tous  les  combats,  et  surtout  a  ceux  de 
mer,  nous  fut  plus  favorable  en  envoyant  plus  de  nos 
Boulets  dans  les  Manoeuvres  des  Anglois,  et  il 
me  semble  qu'il  est  generallement  reconnu  qui  si 
les  Anglois  s'etoient  obstines,  leur  Flotte  auroit 
ete  perdue,  de  sorte  qu'il  n'y  ajamaisen  d'Injustice 
plus  criante  que  celle  qu'on  voudroit  faire  a 
I'Amiral  Byng,  et  tout  nomme  d'honneur  et  tout 
militaire  surtout  doit  s'y  interresser." 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         115 

Marshal  Richlieu  and  Monsieur  Voltaire  both 
received  an  acknowledgment  of  their  kindness 
from  Admiral  Byng  before  his  death.  It  was  in 
reference  to  Admiral  Byng  that  Voltaire  made  his 
well-known  remark,  that  he  was  condemned  to  be 
shot  "pour  encourager  les  autres."  Another  tribute 
to  his  memory  was  that  of  the  sailor,  who,  on 
seeing  his  dead  body,  exclaimed,  "  There  lies  the 
best  and  bravest  officer  of  the  navy." 


The  three  following  documents,  consisting  of  two 
letters  written  by  Mrs.  Osborn  to  the  Duke  of  Bedford, 
and  also  her  appeal  to  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  I 
have  the  permission  of  the  present  Duke  of  Bedford  to 
include  in  this  volume,  as  well  as  the  Duke's  reply  to 
her  first  petition,  which  was  very  guarded  in  his  promise 
of  assistance. 

[Copy.] 

CHARLES  STREET,  BERKELEY  SQUARE, 
Feb.  5,  1757. 

MY  LORD, — The  present  distress  of  our  family 
must  plead  with  your  Grace  for  my  attempting  to 
intrude  on  your  quiet  hours  at  Wooburn,  to 
represent  our  own  melancholy  situation,  tho  my 
unhappy  Brother's  fate  will,  I  hope,  sufficiently 
justify  an  application  to  one  of  the  Duke  of  Bed- 
ford's character,  even  yet  I  should  not  have 
dared  to  have  troubled  your  Grace,  were  not 


Il6        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF   A 

my  Brother's  sufferings  already  such,  as  scarce 
any  crime  could  have  imposed.  Ignominiously 
suspended,  most  ignominiously  aspersed,  and  in- 
humanely traduced,  throughout  the  World,  on 
suppositions  which  his  family  must  have  shared 
the  disgrace  of,  and  from  which  not  even  ,  his 
father's  services  to  this  nation  could  have  afforded 
a  shadow  of  refuge,  had  they  not  been  as  amply 
disproved,  and  he  as  justly  acquitted  of. 

Under  these  Circumstances,  may  I  implore 
your  Grace  to  consider  the  Sentence  he  lyes 
under,  which  is  generally  thought  as  Illegal  as 
Severe  —  my  nephew  Torrington  has  therefore 
venturd  to  Petition  the  King  in  his  favour,  and 
as  we  are  informed  this  extraordinary  case  may 
be  referd  to  the  Cabinet  Council,  we  hope  it  will 
be  at  a  time  when  your  Grace  is  present,  if  we 
are  so  fortunate  as  to  have  that  so,  we  entreat 
your  compassion,  and  known  disposition  to  Justice 
may  Unite  in  Leaning  towards  that  Mercy  which 
has  been  so  earnestly  recommended  by  the  Court 
Martial.  Your  Grace's  family  lost  one  of  the 
noblest  blossoms  from  unjust  Oppression,  to  whom 
then  can  I  better  address  myself  than  to  one,  who 
in  every  Action  of  Life  has  show'd  a  detestation 
of  it  in  what-soever  shape  it  has  appeared. 

Pitty,  my  Lord,  a  distressed  Sister,  surrounded 
only  by  weeping  females,  and  helpless  Boys,  who 
will  all  owe  gratefull  acknowledgements  of  their 
future  happyness  to  the  influence  the  Duke  of 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         1 17 

Bedford   must    always   have,    when   Justice   and 
Mercy  are  the  objects  of  his  care. 

I  am,  my  Lord  Duke, 
Your  Grace's  most  obedient  Servant, 

(Signed)         S.  OSBORN. 

The  above  is  extracted  from  Bedford  Papers,  vol. 
xxxiii.  fol.  67.  To  which  the  answer  was  as  follows  : — 

MADAM,  —  I  am  but  just  able,  thro'  extreme 
weakness  of  my  right  Hand  occasioned  by  the 
Gout,  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter. 
All  I  can  at  present  say  in  answer  to  it,  is,  that  in 
case  His  Majesty  shall  be  pleased  to  refer  the 
sentence  of  the  Court  Martial  to  His  Cabinet 
Council,  nothing  but  absolute  incapacity  on 
account  of  health  shall  prevent  my  attending  it, 
and  I  shall  be  very  happy  if  upon  a  strict  exa- 
mination into  the  proceedings  of  the  Court 
Martial,  I  shall  find  myself  at  liberty  to  adopt 
those  sentiments  of  mercy  which  that  Court  has 
so  strongly  recommended  to  His  Majesty,  as  no 
one  has  a  more  real  regard  for  yourself  and  Lord 
Torrington  and  his  family  than  myself. 

I  am,  your  sincere  and  humble  Servant, 

BEDFORD. 

[Copy.] 

Extracted  from  the  Bedford  Papers,  vol.  xxxiii.  fol.  86. 

MY  LORD, — Your  Grace's  friendly  reception  of 

me  the  other  day,  and  the  concern  you  was  pleased 


1  1 8        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF   A 

to  express  for  my  unfortunate  Brother,  encourages 
me  to  enclose  to  your  Grace  the  Letter  I  sent 
yesterday  to  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  as  the 
last  efforts  with  their  Lordships  that  an  unhappy 
sister  can  make.  The  reasons  I  have  troubled 
them  with  in  my  Brother's  behalf  are  briefly 
stated,  but  I  hope  your  Grace  will  think  they 
have  their  weight ;  indeed,  my  Lord,  it  is  terrible 
to  think  of  my  poor  Brother's  execution  being 
orderd  in  consequence  of  a  sentence  in  a  great 
degree  appeald  from  by  those  who  passd  it,  not 
understood  by  the  world,  and  passd  under  a  Law 
doubtfull  and  unexplained.  The  hardship  of  my 
Brother's  approaching  fate  is  every  hour  more  and 
more  felt,  tho'  I  have  never  yet  heard  of  the  Case 
having  been  laid  before  his  Majesty  with  the 
alleviating  circumstances  that  attend  it.  A  cruel 
and  false  notion  that  his  Majesty  is  disinclyned  to 
mercy  on  this  occasion  has  probably  prevented  it. 
I  have  no  right,  God  knows,  my  Lord,  to  ask 
any  such  favour  of  your  Grace,  but  as  you  are  a 
Friend  to  Justice,  to  truth  and  to  mercy,  and  if  I 
may  venture  to  add,  a  friend  to  our  afflicted  family, 
I  flatter  my  self  that  any  steps  your  Grace  shall 
think  propper  to  take  in  the  obtaining  his  Majesty's 
mercy,  or  at  least,  clearing  up  this  dark  affair,  may 
at  the  same  time,  as  it  saves  my  innocent  Brother's 
Life,  to  which  tho'  he  himself  may  be  indifferent, 
his  unfortunate  sister  wishes  to  preserve,  may  do 
eternal  honour  to  your  Grace's  Name. 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         1 19 

It  may  be  propper  to  inform  your  Grace  that 
Admiral  fforbes  refused  signing  the  order  for 
execution,  and  has  given  given  Lord  Temple  his 
reasons  in  writing  for  such  refusal  which  he  has 
desired  him  to  lay  before  the  King. 
I  am, 

my  Lord  Duke, 

your  Grace's  most  Oblidged  and  obedient 
Humble  Servant, 

(Signed)         S.  OSBORN. 

CHARLES  STREET,  BERKELEY  SQUARE, 
ffryday  morning,  Feb.  18. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  inclosed  in  that  of  the  Honble  Mrs. 
Osborn  (dated  Feb.  18,  1757),  relating  to  Admiral 
Byng's  sentence : — 

MY  LORDS, — The  Judges  having  reported  to 
his  Majesty  in  Council,  that  the  sentence  passed 
on  my  unfortunate  Brother  is  a  legal  one,  permit 
me  to  implore  your  Lordships'  Intercession  with 
his  Majesty  for  his  most  gracious  mercy,  and  to 
hope  your  Lordships  will  not  think  an  afflicted 
sister's  application  ill  founded  in  a  case  so  hardly 
circumstanced,  and  which  the  Judges  (tho*  by  the 
Severity  of  the  Law  they  have  thought  them- 
selves obliged  to  pronounce  the  fatal  Sentence) 
have  recommended  to  your  Lordships'  Humanity, 
to  the  Justice  I  will  not  presume  to  add ;  tho'  in 
their  Letter  to  your  Lordships  they  say  that  in 


I2O       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Justice  to  the  Prisoner  as  well  as  for  their  own 
conscience's  sake  they  recommend  him  to  his 
Majesty's  mercy. 

The  Court  Martial,  my  Lords,  seem  to  have 
acquitted  my  unhappy  Brother  of  Cowardice  and 
disaffection,  and  therefore  it  is  presumed  he  stands 
sentenced  under  the  Head  of  Negligence.  It  is 
not  fitting  perhaps  that  a  wretched  woman  as  I 
am  should  offer  any  Arguments  in  my  Brother's 
Behalf  to  yr  Lordships,  who  are  Masters  of  the 
whole,  but  what  Criminal  Negligence,  my  Lords, 
can  there  have  been  in  which  neither  Cowardice 
nor  Disaffection  have  had  a  part  ?  What  Criminal 
Negligence  can  there  have  been  since  the  Judges 
have  thought  it  incumbent  on  them  for  their  own 
Conscience's  sake  and  in  Justice  to  the  prisoner 
to  recommend  him  to  his  Majesty's  Mercy  ?  I 
must  submit  to  your  Lordships  whether  it  be  the 
meaning  of  the  Law  that  every  kind  of  Negligence 
wilfull,  or  not,  should  be  punished  with  death,  if 
so,  it  is  not  for  me  to  make  an  Observation  on  the 
Laws,  if  not,  and  Negligence  arising  neither  from 
Cowardice,  Disaffection,  or  Wilfulness,  ought  not 
according  to  the  Spirit  and  Intention  of  the  Law 
to  be  deem'd  Capital,  why,  my  Lords,  should  my 
poor  Brother  suffer,  when  both  the  Sentence  by 
which  he  is  condemned  and  the  Letter  to  yr 
Lordships  by  which  he  is  so  strongly  recom- 
mended to  his  Majesty's  Mercy  fully  prove  that 
his  Judges  do  not  deem  him  deserving  of  the 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         121 

punishment  they  thought  themselves  obliged  to 
sentence  him  to. 

I  hope  your  Lordships  will  not  think  he  ought 
to  suffer  either  under  a  Law  unexplain'd  or  doubt- 
ful, or  under  a  Sentence  erroneously  passed,  if 
the  Law  has  been  misunderstood,  and  my  unfor- 
tunate Brother  hath  been  condemned  under  the 
1 2th  Article  according  to  the  Spirit  and  meaning 
of  which  he  should  not  have  been  condemned,  I 
submit  to  your  Lordships  whether  his  Life  should 
be  the  Forfeit. 

If  there  is  a  Doubt  on  the  principles  and 
motives  that  induced  the  Court  Martial  to  intreat 
the  Intercession  of  yr  Lordships  with  his  Majesty 
for  Mercy,  I  submit  to  your  Lordships,  whether 
those  motives  should  not  be  more  fully  explain'd 
before  it  be  too  late.  It  would  be  needless  to 
mention  the  usual  course  of  his  Majesty's  mercy 
to  the  condemned  upon  the  application  of  his 
Judges  ;  if  my  unhappy  Brother's  case  had  cir- 
cumstances particularly  unfavourable  in  it,  but  as 
on  the  contrary  for  the  Reasons  I  have  ventur'd 
briefly  to  offer,  and  the  many  others  that  must 
occur  to  your  Lordships,  his  case  appears  to  be 
uncommonly  hard  and  well  deserving  of  that 
mercy  to  which  his  Judges  have  so  earnestly 
recommended  Him,  I  hope  I  shall  stand  excused 
if  I  beseech  your  Lordships'  immediate  Inter- 
cession with  his  Majesty  in  his  behalf. — I  am,  &c. 

Extracted  from  the  Bedford  Papers,  vol.  xxxiii.  p.  88. 


122        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF    A 

Admiral  Byng's  last  letter  to  his  sister,  dated  March 
12,  1757,  is  endorsed  in  her  handwriting,  thus  : — 

My  brother  from  on  board  the  Monarque,  the 
last  letter  from  him,  the  14th  being  the  fatal  day 
appointed  for  him  to  dye,  to  the  Perpetual  dis- 
grace of  Publick  Justice. 

MY  DEAR,  DEAR  SISTER, — I  can  only  with  my 
last  breath  thank  you  over  and  over  again  for  all 
your  endeavours  to  serve  me  in  my  present  Situa- 
tion. All  has  proved  fruitless,  but  nothing  want- 
ing in  you  that  could  be  done.  God  for  ever  bless 
you  is  the  sincere  prayers  of  your  most  affec1 

Bro. 

J.  BYNG. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  a  receipt  for  Bro.  Edward's 
legacy,  which  you  will  do  me  the  favor  to  accept 
of  as  a  small  Token  of  my  affection  to  you. 

The  succeeding  document  is  also  endorsed  by  Mrs 
Osborn  with  these  words :  "  The  original  paper  wrote 
by  my  unfortunate  and  injur'd  Brother,  Admiral  Byng, 
given  by  him  to  Mr.  Brough  the  Marshall  a  few  minutes 
before  his  death,  March  14,  1757." 

ON  BOARD  His  MAJESTY'S  SHIP  MONARQUE, 
IN  PORTSMOUTH  HARBOUR. 

A  few  moments  will  now  deliver  me  from  the 
virulent  Persecution,  and  frustrate  the  farther 
malice  of  my  Enemies — nor  need  I  envy  them 


LADY  OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         12^1 

•j 

a  Life  subject  to  the  Sensations,  my  Injuries,  and 
the  Injustice  done  me  must  create.  Persuaded  I 
am,  Justice  will  be  done  to  my  reputation  here- 
after. The  manner  and  cause  of  raising  and 
keeping  up  the  Popular  Clamour  and  Prejudice 
against  me,  will  be  seen  thro' — I  shall  be  con- 
sidered (as  I  now  perceive  my  self)  a  Victim 
destined  to  divert  the  Indignation  and  resentment 
of  an  Injured  and  deluded  people  from  the  proper 
Objects — My  Enemies  themselves,  must,  even 
now,  think  me  Innocent — Happy  for  me  at  this 
my  last  Moment,  that  I  know  my  own  Innocence, 
and  am  conscious  that  no  part  of  my  Country's 
misfortunes  can  be  owing  to  me — I  heartyly  wish 
the  shedding  my  Blood  may  contribute  to  the 
Happyness  and  Service  of  my  Country — but 
cannot  resign  my  just  Claim  to  a  faithfull  dis- 
charge of  my  Duty,  according  to  the  best  of  my 
Judgement,  and  the  utmost  exertion  of  my  ability 
for  His  Majesty's  Honour,  and  my  Country's 
Service — I  am  sorry  that  my  Endeavours  were 
not  attended  with  more  Success,  and  that  the 
Armament  under  my  Command  proved  too  weak 
to  succeed  in  an  Expedition  of  such  Moment — 
Truth  has  prevailed  over  Calumny  and  falsehood, 
and  Justice  has  wiped  off  the  ignominious  stain  of 
my  supposed  want  of  personal  Courage,  or 
disaffection — My  Heart  acquits  me  of  these 
Crimes — but  who  can  be  presumptuously  sure  of 
his  own  Judgement  ? — If  my  Crime  is  an  Error  in 


124       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Judgement,  or  differing  in  oppinion  from  my 
Judges,  and  if  yet,  the  Error  in  Judgement 
should  be  on  their  side — God  forgive  them,  as  I 
do,  and  may  the  Distress  of  their  minds,  and 
uneasiness  of  their  Consciences,  which  in  Justice 
to  me  they  have  represented,  be  relieved,  and 
subside,  as  my  resentment  has  done — The 
Supreme  Judge  sees  all  Hearts,  and  Motives,  and 
to  Him  I  must  submit  the  Justice  of  my  Cause. 

J.  BYNG. 

Admiral  Byng  was  fifty-three  years  old  at  the  time  of 
his  death.  He  was  buried  at  Southill,  Beds,  with  this 
inscription  on  his  monument : — 

To  the  perpetual  disgrace  of  Publick  Justice 
The  Honble  John  Byng,  Esqre 

Admiral  of  the  Fleet 

Fell   a   Martyr  to   Political   Persecution 

March  I4th  in  the  year  1757,  when 

Bravery  and  Loyalty 
Were  insufficient  securities  for  the 

Life  and  Honour 
of  a   Naval   Officer. 


There  is  a  small  print  of  Admiral  Byng  at  Chicksands 
Priory,  at  the  back  of  which  Mrs.  Osborn  has  inscribed 
these  words : — 

The    Honourable    John    Byng, 

Admiral  of  the  Blue, 

4th  Son  of  George,  Lord  Viscount  Torrington, 
Suffered  Political  Martyrdom,  March  14,  1757, 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH   CENTURY.         125 

Whose  Memory  may  this  Picture  perpetuate, 

and  at  the  same  time,  the  depravity  of  an  age 

When  Publick  Justice  was  prostituted  to  Private  Policy, 

And  Guilt  found  protection  in  the 

Blood  of  the  Innocent. 

When   approved    Courage   and    unimpeached   Loyalty 

confirmed  by  a  forty  years  faithfull  Service, 

Were  ineffectual  Securities  for  the 

Life  and  Honour 

of  a  British  Commander  against  the 
Mistaken  resentment  of  a  deluded  Populace 

and  the 
Interested  Persecution  of  a  State  Junto. 


With  this  expression  of  Mrs.  Osborn's  sentiments  on 
her  brother's  unhappy  fate,  I  bring  to  a  close  this 
terrible  page  of  her  life. 


i;66. 


MY  readers  are  now  asked  to  carry  their  minds  forward 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  to  take  up  the  threads  of 
Mrs.  Osborn's  history  in  the  year  1766.  She  herself  has 
now  arrived  at  the  age  of  seventy-three,  and  her  only 
two  near  relations  in  the  world  are  her  grandsons,  Sir 
George  Osborn  and  his  brother  John,  to  whom  her  letters 
are  now  addressed.  Sir  George  is  occupied  with  politics 
and  his  regimental  duties,  and  "  Jack  "  has  just  started 
for  Naples  to  be  attached  to  the  Embassy  there,  but  not 
very  happy  with  his  prospects,  and  complaining  that  his 
uncle,  Lord  Halifax,  had  not  sufficiently  exerted  himself 
in  his  interest. 

LETTER  XLVIII. 

[The  "  Hero  of  the  day  "  is  evidently  Mr.  Pitt.  Con- 
way  was  Secretary  of  State,  Charles  Townshend, 
Paymaster  of  the  Forces,  Rigby,  Secretary  to  the  Duke 
of  Bedford,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland.] 

CHARLES  STREET,  BERKELEY  SQUARE, 
January  17,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Since  I  received  your  last  letter 
the  day  before  you  was  to  embarque  at  Marsielles, 
I  have  not  wrote  to  you.  .  .  .  You  said  we  must 
not  expect  to  hear  from  you  till  February.  I  am  all 


POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS.  127 

impatience  for  that  time,  in  hopes  it  may  bring  a 
good  account  of  your  arrival  at  Naples,  and  that 
you  have  fixd  yourself  to  your  satisfaction  there. ' 

I  must  say  you  have  judgd  well  not  to  come 
home.  It  is  the  most  severe  winter  I  have  felt 
ever  before.  Every  mortal  terible  coughs  with 
oppression. 

Your  brother  was  all  day  last  Teusday  at  the 
House.  The  man  so  much  adord  and  feared  was 
the  Hero  of  the  day.  No  one  dare  speak  or  reply 
except  his  Brother,  who  he  attackd  severely — he 
defyd  all  Law,  set  it  at  nought,  blamd  the  Past  and 
Present,  had  never  conected  with  any  set  that  had 
not  deceived  him,  he  saw  no  Ministers  there,  only 
men  who  had  got  on  the  Horse  of  Liberty  to  ride 
into  places,  and  then  put  their  Horse  in  the  stable. 
In  short  he  decryd  all  sorts  and  declared  his 
opinion  to  repeal  the  Stamp  Act,  and  never  to 
conect  with  anyone  while  there  remaind  so  strong 
an  influence  from  one  man.  He  did  not  mean  to 
be  mistook,  did  not  mean  anyone  born  in  England, 
but  on  the  other  side  the  Tweed.  Conway  only 
replyd  that  he  had  got  on  the  Horse  of  Liberty 
for  his  Country's  service,  had  been  unwillingly 
drove  into  place,  was  ready  to  turn  his  horse's 
head  back  to  the  state  he  was  before,  yet 
acknowledgd  he  would  serve  with  pleasure  under 
him.  Sure  that  was  mean  !  Charles  Townshend 
had  not  a  word  to  say,  or  indeed  anyone  else. 
Rigby  called  for  all  the  Intelligence  from  America 


128        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

to  be  printed,  which  was  granted.  They  did  not 
know  the  consequence  (young  in  office  indeed !). 
When  they  found  Bedford  lost  the  same  in  the 
other  House,  they  saw  their  error,  and  are  this 
day  making  a  strong  effort  to  get  that  resolution 
repealed.  This  is  a  specimen  of  the  very  dis- 
agreable  and  unstedy  situation.  You  may 
communicate  to  Lord  Hillsborough,  and  then  burn 
it  directly.  ...  If  the  Act  is  repeald,  God  alone 
knows  the  consequence — I  tremble. 

The  match  quite  fixd  with  Lady  Betty  (Mon- 
tagu) and  Lord  Hinchingbroke.  Each  father 
gives  ,£1000  a  year,  your  Uncle  seems  happy  to 
dispose  of  her  to  rank  and  fortune. 

The  Town  is  very  full,  the  streets  in  such  a 
condition  coaches  are  overturned  every  day  ;  the 
frost  so  hard  pickaxes  cannot  mend  them. 

Lord  George  Sackville  you  will  see  is  brought 
forth  again,  great  murmering  about  it,  none  of  the 
Ministers  own  it  their  Act,  and  Mr.  Pitt  excessively 
disgusted  at  that  Measure  as  well  as  others.  .  .  . 

My  dear  Jack,  Adieu.  .  .  .  Beauford  Ossory 
and  all  the  young  men  come  home,  Wilks  too, 

some  say,  and  some  not. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  XLIX. 
CHARLES  STREET,  LONDON,  February  10,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Matters  have  been  in  such 
confusion  and  uncertainties,  indeed  little  better 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         I2Q 

now,  but  next  Thursday  is  hoped  will  end  som- 
thing  to  purpose,  the  present  Ministry,  by  George 
Byng's  intelligence,  seem  certain  to  carrie  the 
point  of  repeal,  the  others  think  different,  tis 
thought  a  fortnight  more  must  pass  before  the 
present  Agitations  can  produce  change.  King 
cannot  speak,  which  is  a  great  misfortune  in  his 
situation  .  .  .  honest  men  cannot  be  in  high 
stations  without  the  knowledge  necessary  to 
support  themselves,  .  .  .  but  of  whom  or  what  the 
next  can  be  composed  staggers  the  wisest  among 
us  ...  and  what  can  spring  forth  from  a  time 
almost  unknown  is  hard  to  guess,  not  a  happy  face 
to  be  seen.  .  .  . 

Lord  Halifax  has  received  your  letter,  and  I 
hope  to  have  the  satisfaction  of  hearing  you  are 
better,  which  will  bring  comfort  to  your  truly 

affect. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  L. 

February  14,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  grieve  to  find  you  have  been 
so  much  worse  than  you  communicated  to  me. 
We  have  had  the  most  severe  winter  with  foggs 
and  all  the  variety  of  Bad  weather  that  the 
Heavens  could  pour  down  upon  us. 

Tis  imposible  to  paint  to  you  the  Horror  of 
our  situation,  had  you  been  happy  in  your  wishes, 

all  must  now  have  vanishd.    Tis  inconceivable  the 

i 


130       POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Cloud  on  every  brow,  in  the  present  aspect  no  one 
in  their  senses  would  wish  for  power. 

My  dear  Jack,  I  am  concernd  you  sett  alone 
and  encourage  disagreeable  thoughts.  I,  who 
am  not  apt  to  flatter  myself  with  vain  hopes,  and 
false  valuations,  yet  think  you  have  neither  lost 
your  time,  or  have  taken  any  step  to  reproach 
yourself  .  .  .  every  day  more  and  more  perplexes, 
and  it  must  be  a  bold  man  who  will  undertake  to 
set  us  right.  While  it  rests  as  it  is,  you  or  any 
friend  you  have  cannot  wish  you  a  part  in  such  a 
dismal  whole. 

Nothing  doing,  or  can  be  done  in  both  Houses, 
but  the  American  affair,  in  whatever  way  it  is 
settled  will  be  a  millstone  about  the  neck  of  the 
present  or  any  future  Ministry.  Great  violence 
on  all  sides — very  terryfying  consequences. 

Next  Sunday  we  putt  off  Black  Gloves  for 
Prince  Frederick,  King  of  Denmark  and  Dauphin 
still  to  be  mourned  for. 

LETTER  LI. 

CHARLES  STREET,  Feb.  25,  1766. 
MY  DEAR  JACK, — Your  Brother  has  run  away, 
and  left  me  to  ad  that  the  House  sitts  every  day, 
till  \  hour  after  ten,  but  last  night  till  2  this 
morning.  I  think  there  must  be  a  fresh  sett  soon, 
for  these  will  all  be  demolished.  A  sad,  very  sad 
situation  indeed  we  are  in.  We  have  gone  on 


LADY    OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         131 

week  after  week,  and  lately  have  thought  every 
new  day  would  produce  new  events,  but  I  see  no 
end  to  our  distresses.  When  this  Bill  is  finished, 
there  must  be  settled  plan  to  affaires,  but  God 
knows  how  the  scail  will  turn,  those  in  and  those 
out  equally  unhappy,  nor  do  I  see  any  one 
prospect  to  be  better.  .  .  . 

Mr.  Fox  was  certainly  refused  (whatever  was 
thought  abroad)  when  he  made  his  last  proposal 
here  to  Miss  Greville.  She  could  not  brinor  her- 

o 

self  to  consent,  and  therefore  he  told  his  friend 
Crew  she  was  the  woman  to  make  him  happy. 
He  followed  his  advice  and  proposed  immediatly, 
was  accepted,  and  the  conclusion  to  be  directly, 
to  the  amazement  of  the  town  that  one  so  much 
in  love  as  Fox  was,  should  not  only  resign,  but 
give  her  to  another.  She,  however,  is  a  lucky 
girl,  and  the  Envy  of  all  the  young  Women  in 
town. 

Lord  and  Lady  Torrington  come  to  Whitehall 
for  the  winter.  She  is  a  very  agreeable,  sensible 
woman,  and  I  think  will  make  him  happy. 

I  can  only  ad  your  Brother's  affections  to  those 
of,  my  dear  Jack,  your  truly  affect. 

Gra.  and  faithfull  Servant. 

In  conversation  at  Bushey,  I  find  my  Lord  has 
set  his  seal  upon  Ireland.  His,  I  doubt,  has  been 
an  unfortunate  step  that  he  will  repent,  he  is, 
I  find,  much  blamd. 


132      POLITICAL  AND  SOCIAL  LETTERS  OF  A 

LETTER  LII. 

14  March  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Your  brother  .  .  .  has  ac- 
quainted you  with  our  political  wrangles.  The 
Repeal  has  gone  in  the  Commons,  and  in  the 
Lords  by  a  majority  of  12.  However,  the  3rd 
Reading  of  the  Bill  is  to  be  next  Monday,  when 
fresh  arguments  are  to  be  brought,  and  very  many 
Lords  intend  to  protest.  Your  Uncle  will  be  of 
that  number.  When  that  is  over,  'tis  said  there  will 
be  some  Changes.  Pitt  to  take  the  lead  to  quiet  the 
Nation,  and  bring  good  out  of  evil  if  posible.  .  .  . 

Last  Saturday  Lady  Betty  Montagu  was  married 
at  her  father's  house  by  Dr.  Crane.  The  com- 
pany were  the  two  fathers,  Lady  Caroline  and 
Mr.  Seymour,  half-brother  to  Lord  Sandwich, 
which  with  Mr.  Melvil  and  myself  were  the 
whole.  After  the  ceremony  we  had  a  fine  Break- 
fast, and  in  half  an  hour,  Lord  Hinchingbrook  lead 
his  lady  into  an  extreme  neat  genteel  Post  Chaise, 
with  four  exceedingly  pretty  bright  bay  horses, 
which  gallopd  all  the  way  to  Bushy.  Then  Lord 
Sandwich  lead  me  into  Lord  Halifax's  post  coach, 
and  followd  himself,  with  poor  Melvil  hopping 
after,  and  Lord  Halifax  completed  the  sett.  We 
followd  almost  in  Gallop  too,  and  were  at  Bushy 
in  an  hour  and  half,  where  young  Montagu  came 
from  Eton  to  meet  us.  We  all  stayd  there  till 
Monday  morning,  when  the  two  Lords  hastend 
to  their  Debates,  and  I  to  rest  in  my  own  house, 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         133 

after  two  long  days  heartily  tyerd.  We  left  Bride 
and  Bridegroom  there  with  Melvil,  they  were  to 
come  up  tomorrow  to  their  house  in  Audley 
Street,  but  your  uncle  Lumley  dying  this  morning 
prevents  that,  as  it  will  not  be  propper  they  should 
be  presented  till  he  is  burned. 

Lord  Scarborough  and  Lord  Halifax  met  this 
evening  to  open  the  will  .  .  .  the  town  says 
Lumley  to  Lord  Scarborough,  with  the  house  in 
town,  and  great  mortgages  on  both.  Stansted  to 
Lord  Halifax,  coal  mines,  etc.,  to  the  value  of 
;£  1 00,000,  great  mortgages  also  on  them. 

Mr.  Crew  and  Miss  Grevil,  Duke  of  Beauford 
and  Miss  Boscawen,  Lord  Strathmore  and  Miss 
Bows,  were  the  dancing  lovers  last  night  at 
Almacks.  These  three  Wedings  are  to  be  cele- 
brated as  soon  as  the  Lawyers  can  finish. 

It  seems  Beauford  was  in  love  with  Boscawen 
before  he  left  England.  Dutches  Beauford  crys 
night  and  day.  She  wanted  a  woman  of  fortune 
and  Quality,  and  had  Lady  Betty  Montagu  in  her 
eye,  which  would  have  been  more  discreet,  but  fate, 
I  hope,  designs  them  all  happy  with  their  mates. 

yr  truly  affec. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  LIII. 

CHARLES  STREET,  15  April  1766. 
MY  DEAR  JACK, — The  good  account  you  give  of 
yourself  both    in    body  and  spirits  has  had  the 


134       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

same  good  effect  on  me  as  the  fine  Climate  you 
are  in  has  had  on  you.  Your  Brother  would  have 
wrote  himself  today,  but  that  he  is  on  Guard, 
and  also  nothing  materiel  is  on  the  anvil  at 
present.  The  recess  of  Parliamt  during  the  Easter 
hollydays  has  kept  the  Town  empty  and  quiet, 
and  not  a  word  of  Politics  has  transpired,  only 
the  grave  thinking  men  look  upon  them  to  have 
been  fatally  conducted. 

No  one  is  happy  as  they  foresee  that  without 
some  miracle  we  are  undone.  This  week  the 
Parliament  has  mett  again.  Yesterday  was  enter- 
taining to  those  not  concernd.  Strange  manage- 
ment that  a  materiel  point  was  to  be  the  business 
of  the  day,  but  no  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer 
there,  or  anyone  of  the  Ministry  to  support  it. 
Pitt  went  down  to  be  quite  against  the  Question. 
Thomas  Townshend  and  Onslow  proposed  it. 
I  think  it  was  an  alteration  in  the  Malt  Tax.  Pit 
said  he  was  entirely  against  these  measures,  it 
struck  at  the  Prorogative  of  the  Crown,  and  totally 
disliked  the  whole,  so  much  that  they  knockd 
under  and  said  it  was  not  a  Measure  of  Govern- 
ment but  a  Measure  entirely  of  their  own,  which 
brought  a  laugh  on  them  and  on  the  Ministry  too 
to  find  no  head  there,  and  the  business  to  be 
carried  on  at  the  caprice  of  anyone  who  chose  to 
start  up  and  propose  their  own  schemes.  George 
Grenville  was  there,  but  said  not  a  word,  left  it 
to  battle  it  among  themselves,  and  all  the  sensible 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         135 

people  laughing  in  their  sieves  at  such  a  materiel 
affair  under  such  management. 

Wednesday  next  a  Bugett  is  to  be  open,  after 
that  more  may  be  said. 

The  young  part  of  the  town  thinks  of  nothing 
but  Wedings.  Duke  Beaufort  to  Miss  Boscawen, 
the  Admiral's  daughter.  His  mother  so  angry  at 
the  match,  she  would  not  see  them  till  after  the 
ceremony  was  over,  and  then  just  for  them  to 
receive  her  Blessing,  and  stepd  into  their  Post 
Chaise  at  Badmington. 

Mr.  Crew  was  also  few  days  after  married  to 
Miss  Grevill,  they  say  she  refused  Fox, — most 
monstrous  are  the  settlements  he  has  made  upon 
her,  and  Lady  Mary  Fitzpatrick  has  reconciled 
herself  to  take  her  leavings,  and  next  week  is  to 
marry  Fox.  His  father  gives  them  ^"4000  a  year 
in  present,  and  10  at  his  death.  A  fine  match 
for  her,  'tis  a  lucky  year  for  the  Ladies  without 
fortune. 

The  suitable  match  which  pleases  everybody 
is  Lady  Dorothy  Cavendish,  Duke  Devonshire's 
sister,  to  the  Duke  of  Portland,  but  does  not  take 
place  till  August. 

Lord  Halifax  came  here  next  day  after  he 
received  your  letter,  ...  he  looks  well,  and  is 
now  strong  on  his  own  footing. 

We  have  had  severall  weding  dinners,  the  first 
at  Lord  Guilford's,  where  were  the  3  Earls  and 
there  3  Eldest  sons.  Ld  Guilford,  Ld  North, 


136        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Ld  Sandwich  (Ld  Hinchingbrook  not  well,  could 
not  be  there),  therefore  Ld  Sandwich  youngest 
son,  George  Montagu,  your  Brother,  and  myself, 
tomorow  the  same  company  at  Lady  Betty 
Archers. 

I  have  hardly  left  room  to  ad  your  brother's 
affections  with  those,  my  dear  Jack, 

of  your  most  truly  affec. 

Gramr. 

LETTER  LIV. 

April 29,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  begin  this  large  sheet  in 
hopes  your  Brother  will  fill  it  with  more  materiel 
subjects  than  my  pen  can  afford,  since  even 
common  Chatt  deserts  my  House,  now  the  charms 
of  Ranelagh  engages  her  votarys,  and  hurrys  all 
other  amusements  to  give  that  a  place  in  their 
time.  The  ladies  at  least  will  have  reason  to 
approve  the  way  of  life  they  are  in,  since  all  the 
matches  are  in  their  favor.  Beauty  overbalances 
cash,  and  all  future  considerations.  Miss  Bis- 
shopp  is  the  next,  to  a  Mr.  Dummer,  a  great 
Estate  and  fine  seat  in  Hampshire.  .  .  . 

An  ugly  report  creeps  about  that  Mr.  Hervey 
and  another  English  gentleman  are  lost  by  their 
curiosity  leading  them  to  Mont  Vesuvius  just  as 
the  Eruption  broke  out,  if  so,  you  know  it,  there- 
fore no  more  on  that  subject. 

Tis  said  the  House  will  be  up  at  Whitsuntide. 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         137 

Pitt  is  quite  a  Harlequin,  one  day  appears  in  one 
shape,  the  next  quite  contrary,  roasts  all  sides, 
says  there  is  not  an  honest  man  to  councel  with, 
therefore  will  stand  alone.  The  mongrel  curs  of 
the  present  times,  shrink  and  creep,  and  fall  down 
at  his  footstool,  watch  his  nod,  and  would  shew 
implicit  obedience  to  his  will,  but  he  does  as  all 
great  minds  should  do, — dispise  sycophants. 

The  Division  grown  stronger,  but  what  will 
come  of  it  none  can  tell.  Your  cousin  George 
Byng  is  so  angry  they  will  not  go  through  thick 
and  thin  with  one  another  that  he  almost  resolves 
never  to  come  in  Parliament  again.  ...  I  see 
nothing  yet  but  doubt  and  dispair,  when  the  sun 
will  shine  again  I  know  not,  the  Learned  say  there 
is  a  spot  on  the  sun  biger  than  this  world,  which 
perhaps  is  the  reason  of  so  many  clouded  under- 
standings. This  and  the  large  Comet  employ  the; 
curious  at  Flamsteds,  Greenwich  Park.  Your 
friend  Lord  Forbes  when  he  left  you  at  Brussels, 
went  to  one  of  the  French  provinces  to  learn  the 
language,  which  he  did  to  such  perfection  that  he 
spent  ;£8ooo  when  he  came  to  Paris,  and  there 
fell  in  love  with  Lady  Georgina  Berkeley.  He 
is  now  in  England  in  your  Brothers  Regiment, 
and  she  came  over  lately,  and  they  renewd  their 
former  conversations,  .  .  .  and  she  is  now  Lady 
Forbes.  His  father  so  angry  at  this  destructive 
match  and  his  Paris  extravagance,  he  vows  to  set 

o 

him  aside  and  give  his  Estate  to  his  grandson. 


138        POLITICAL  AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Your  brother  is  now  busie  with  field  days,  but 
has  charged  me  with  his  best  affections  to  you, 
you  are  always  sure  those  of  yours  sincerely, 

S.  O. 

I  believe  few  post  days  for  50  ye^rs  past  have 
escaped  from  my  hand  in  the  Post  Office,  so  that 
I  imagine  it  so  well  known  there  I  can  never 
disguise. 

LETTER  LV. 

13  May  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  am  extremely  disappointed 
that  no  letter  from  you  is  come  .  .  .  the  very 
great  distance  between  us  is  an  unpleasant  circum- 
stance, but  I  will  not  inlarge  on  that  subject,  only 
hope  it  will  establish  your  Health.  Tis  as  endless 
as  uncertain  to  send  you  accounts  of  the  situation 
of  the  present  times,  which  varies  every  day. 
The  Parliament  setts  till  ten  or  twelve  most 
nights.  The  mountain  only  produces  a  mouse, 
for  all  seems  at  a  stand,  nothing  done,  nothing 
pleasing  to  anyone. 

Duke  Grafton  has  certainly  given  warning,  but 
is  desired  to  remain  till  they  can  provide  them- 
selves with  one  to  supply  his  place.  I  am  weary 
and  so  is  everybody  at  these  uncertainties. 
Every  creature  is  going  out  of  town,  more  parti- 
cularly all  the  men  of  business.  It  seems  as  if 
everything  was  left  to  be  governd  by  Chance  and 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         139 

haphazard,   and  yet  Parliam'  will  not  be  up  till 
June. 

Torrington  gone  to  find  an  agreeable  hunting 
seat  in  Lincolnshire.  Halifax  settling  his  own 
affaires,  has  full  employment  in  doing  that.  I 
hope  he  will  retrieve  his  losses,  and  satisfy  all 
concernd  in  them,  and  be  a  free  man  before  he 
retakes  those  of  a  higher  nature,  for  certainly 
sooner  or  later  he  will  have  office  again. 

I  dont  intend  stiring  out  of  town,  but  wait  and 
watch  for  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from  you, 

being  most  affectionately  yours — 

LETTER  LVI. 

[The  Lally  here  alluded  to  was  a  French  officer, 
Governor  of  Pondicherry,  which  he  surrendered  to  the 
English,  and  was  beheaded  in  France  1766.  The 
circumstances  of  the  case  had  some  similarity  with  those 
of  Admiral  Byng's  conviction.] 

CHARLES  STREET,  May  30,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — This  being  my  turn,  I  take  it 
to  say  that  however  your  mind  is  discomposed 
with  your  present  situation,  your  Brother  and 
I  bear  an  equal  share  with  you,  but  we  all  three 
must  make  use  of  the  senses  and  reason  God  has 
given  us,  and  not  sink  under  the  unavoidable 
state  of  our  present  circumstances.  While  I  live, 
which  in  all  human  probability  cannot  be  long, 
you  shall  be  supported,  so  make  yourself  easy. 


I4O        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL  LETTERS   OF   A 

Duke  Grafton  is  gone  out  without  being  able 
to  serve  his  father-in-law,  though  greatly  desirous 
to  do  it.  Duke  of  Richmond  is  come  in,  more 
unfit  than  any,  so  that  things  grow  worse  and 
worse.  Lord  North  has  refused  one  of  the  Vice 
Treasureships  of  Ireland,  and  none  that  have  a 
grain  of  Understanding  will  take  any  concerns 
upon  them,  no,  not  the  Ministers  abroad.  The 
other  day  Torrington  asked  a  principal,  Who  was 
to  go  to  such  a  Court  ?  He  answered,  You,  if 
you  please,  for  we  dont  find  those  we  wish  for 
will  accept.  In  short,  I  must  give  you  this  com- 
fort that  tis  a  much  greater  disgrace  to  be  in  than 
out.  The  Parliament  not  yet  up.  They  get 
together  forty  members,  and  pass  what  Bills  they 
please,  no  one  knows  or  cares,  even  the  members 
who  are  in  town  dont  care  to  attend,  such  a  time 
I  never  remember. 

No  account  has  yet  come  of  Lord  Charles 
Montagu  and  his  fine  wife  being  landed  at  his 
Government  of  North  Carolina.  While  they  livd 
in  St.  James'  Palace  before  they  went,  they  livd 
well,  had  their  dinner  and  wine  from  Thatched 
House,  the  bill  for  four  months  was  ^"1200. 

You  give  us  no  account  of  Mont  Vesuvius, 
tho'  this  Erruption  is  often  seen  at  Naples,  .  .  . 
pray  give  us  news  of  this  extraordinary  matter. 

Dont  laugh  when  I  tell  you  there  has  been  one 
of  our  men  of  war  sent  from  a  part  in  the  East 
Indies  in  search  of  an  Island  which  they  had  the 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         141 

fortune  to  find,  and  landed  some  of  the  crew  to 
discover  the  sort  of  people  upon  it.  They  found 
them  a  strong  robust  people  8  P  and  half  high. 
A  girl  of  thirteen  was  7  feet,  and  others  in 
proportion.  They  were  cloathed  with  skins  of 
Beasts,  invited  our  people  to  go  farther  up  the 
Country,  but  they  were  satisfied  with  the  dis- 
covery, and  returned.  Part  of  this  was  in  our 
newspapers.  I  concluded  it  a  Guliver  Island, 
and  that  it  was  a  Joke,  but  at  Admiral  Osborns 
last  night  they  confirmed  the  truth,  and  therefore 
I  conclude  it  is  so. 

Lallys  fate  is  compared  to  my  poor  brother's, 
two  innocent  men  sacrificed  to  Ministers  purposes. 
In  an  article  from  France,  I  see  the  comparison, 
and  before  that  from  private  conversation. 

Your  Brothers  sincere  affections  are  ever  joynd 
with  mine  to  you. 

LETTER  LVII. 

July  ist,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  set  down  to  write  to  you 
with  a  mind  as  gloomy  as  the  weather,  which  has 
been  continualy  weeping  for  ten  weeks  past.  The 
thundering  and  lightening  we  have  lately  had  has 
made  me  hope  it  would  clear  the  clouds,  and  let 
us  once  more  see  the  sun,  however  these  hopes  are 
vain,  and  weeping  still  continues,  to  the  sorrow  of 
those  who  have  large  crops  of  Hay  all  spoiling. 

I  must  begin  with  the  maloncholy  tale  of  your 


142        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Aunt  Jekyll's  death.  ...  I  cannot  think  what 
can  become  of  her  daughter,  poor  girl,  to  whom 
she  is  an  irreparable  loss,  to  poor  Miss  Roberts, 
her  companion  also,  though  she  livd  like  a  toad 
under  a  Harrow.  Lord  Halifax  was  then  at 
Horton,  .  .  .  but  he  went  and  stayd  with  her  till 
she  dyed  .  .  .  you  must  mourn  3  week,  black 
sword  and  buckels,  3  weeks  coloured  ones  with 
your  mourning  coat  .  .  .  her  violent  temper  was 
a  misfortune,  but  who  is  without  fault  ?  Your 
brother  is  with  Lord  Halifax  at  Horton,  returns 
next  week  to  Chicksands.  .  .  . 

My  dear  Jack,  what  is  it  posible  for  us  to  do 
for  you,  when  you  consider  the  impropriety  of  a 
man  in  opposition  asking  a  favor  ...  if  you 
were  here  opertunitys  might  offer  and  you  would 
be  known  to  people  who  could  serve  you,  they 
will  not  take  a  man  in  the  clouds  they  know 
nothing  off.  Everyone  knows,  and  the  King  too, 
why  you  quitted  Brussels  .  .  .  when  you  can  be 
serve.d  you  certainly  will,  but  while  you  are  absent 
believe  me,  nothing  can  be  done  for  you. 

Lord  Halifax  can  do  nothing,  Lord  North 
refuses  all  offers  made  him,  none  of  the  Outs 
think  they  can  with  honour  accept,  much  less  ask 
for  any  favors.  So  many  things  are  vacant,  and 
no  acceptors :  Treasury,  Navy  vacant,  Vice- 
treasureship  of  Ireland,  with  several  other  things 
that  is  amazing  goes  begging. 

I  am  your  truly  affect. 


LADY  OF  THE  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY.       143 

LETTER  LVIII. 

July  4,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Though  I  wrote  a  long  letter 
last  Tuesday,  I  set  down  to  a  fresh  sheet  of  paper 
today.  There  is  no  one  appointed  to  Viena  yet — 
no  scheme  subsists  twenty-four  hours.  ...  I  don't 
wonder  you  have  no  notion  of  these  things,  because 
it  is  entirely  new.  I  have  before  told  you  of  great 
offers  to  those  who  I  hope  will  serve  you,  but  he  will 
not  accept,  sees  it  is  with  a  halter  round  his  neck. 

His  nephew  North  they  would  buy  at  any  rate, 
but  he  will  not  be  an  apostate.  How  long  this 
confused  state  of  affairs  may  last  no  one  can  tell. 
Providence  has  often  brought  us  from  the  brink  of 
ruin,  I  therefore  trust  we  shall  still  be  saved. 

Let  me  intreat  you  to  turn  your  thoughts  home 
.  .  .  you  can  live  in  credit  like  a  gentleman  on 
^"320  or  ^340  a  year.  ...  By  the  time  this 
reaches  you,  you  will  be  23,  not  an  age  to  be  very 
miserable,  though  Fortune  has  been  a  Gilt. 

yr  truly  affect. 

S.  O. 

LETTER  LIX. 

[The  person  mentioned  by  Sarah  whose  picture  is  at 
Chicksands,  is  certainly  Oliver  Cromwell.  There  is  a 
portrait  of  him  by  Lely  there.] 

Fry  day,  18  July  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — The  very  next  post  after  I 
wrote,  I  could  have  told  you  the  bustle  was 


144       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

beginning,  and  things  come  in  earnest  to  a  crisis. 
The  wheels  so  clogd,  Government  was  at  a  stop 
and  pulled  up  dead  short.  The  King  sent  for 
Pit,  and  Pit  is  come,  and  most  certain  has  a  carte 
blanche,  on  no  other  terms  would  he  undertake, 
so  he  gets  himself  master  of  the  position.  Was 
heated  with  his  journey,  but  saw  the  King  next 
day,  which  was  this  day  was  senight.  All  is  con- 
jecture, the  only  certain  thing  is  that  Pitt  comes 
in,  but  in  what  place  is  not  yet  settled,  only  that 
he  will  carve  for  himself,  and  make  up  a  Ministry 
of  those  who  will  be  guided  by  him.  .  .  . 

Mr.  Pit  and  Lord  Temple  have  mett,  but  so 
far  from  agreeing,  they  were  very  warm,  and  Mr. 
Pitt  so  ruffled  by  it  that  he  has  forbid  anyone  to 
come  to  him  on  business  for  two  days,  for  his 
fever  is  much  encreasd.  How  will  he  bear  the 
ruffles  of  the  whole  kingdom  on  his  shoulders  ? 
.  .  .  But  I  own  I  am  glad  he  is  to  be  Prime 
Minister,  twill  quiet  the  nation  and  cool  the 
minds  of  all  dissatisfied,  as  well  as  strike  terror 
abroad,  where  I  doubt  in  our  present  situation  we 
must  be  dispised.  Tis  said  the  Citty  intend  to 
go  in  a  body  to  thank  the  King  the  day  after  Pitt 
is  appointed.  Are  you  not  stagard  to  find  Prince 
Ferdinand  has  resignd  all  his  employments  to 
King  of  Prussia,  and  tis  affirmd  has  accepted  of 
all  Marshall  Saxe's  appointments  in  France  ?  I 
dare  not  trust  on  paper  what  is  said  on  that 
event  here.  In  short,  we  talk  much  of  the  times 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         145 

when  the  person  governd  whose  picture  is 
over  one  of  the  doors  of  the  blue  room  at 
Chicksands. 

Your  uncle  (Ld  Hal.)  just  stepd  in  here,  said 
...  he  will  asist  you  all  in  his  power,  in  any 
thing  but  a  direct  request  to  the  Ministry.  .  .  . 

I  must  now  tell  you  a  little  chat.  .  .  .  Lady 
Montrath  is  dead,  has  left  Lord  John  Cavendish 
.£40,000,  never  saw  him  but  once  in  her  life,  only 
because  he  was  a  Patriot,  and  some  more  Patriot 
legacies  to  people  she  did  not  know.  She  was  a 
Bradford,  and  maddish,  and  so  she  has  lived  and 
dyed,  her  son  is  the  same,  therefore  all  her  riches 
of  no  value. 

Pit  has  the  reversion  of  Lady  Grandisons 
^9000  a  year,  if  young  Villiers  her  son  dyes 
under  age.  He  is  inclynd  to  be  wild,  and  has 
not  had  the  small  pox,  and  Pit  is  lucky.  There- 
fore everyone  concludes  the  Boy  is  to  dye.  Lord 
Wm  Campbell  was  appointed  to  the  Government 
of  Nova  Scotia  in  the  room  of  your  cousin, 
Colonel  Wilmot. 

Adieu,  my  dear  Jack, 

believe  me  affectionately  yours. 

LETTER  LX. 

August  ist,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  must  acquaint  you  last 
Wednesday  kissd  hands : 


146        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

Pitt  now  Earl  of  Chatham — Lord  Privy  Seal. 
Lord  Northington — Lord  President. 
Lord  Campden — Lord  Chancellor. 
Lord  Shelburn — S.  of  State. 
Conway  remains  the  other. 
Duke   of  Grafton — ist    Ld    of   the 

Treasury. 
Charles  Townshend — Chancell1"  of  the 

Excheq'. 

Mr.  Stanly — Ambassador  to  Russia. 
Mr.  Campbell — A  Lord  of  Treasury. 
The  above  are  certain — Dowdeswell  is  to  be 
provided  for,  some  say  Speaker,  some  say  Joint 
Paymaster  with  James  Grenville.  .  .  .  Ld  Dart- 
mouth has  resignd,  is  Lord  of  Trade,  Duke  of 
Newcastle  has  refused  a  pention  of  ^4000  a  year. 
People  are  not  pleased.  Pit  will  loose  popularity 
by  loosing  his  name.  Sir  James  Porter  went  to 
Lord  Chatham,  Duke  of  Grafton,  to  make  his 
ceremonial  visits  to  them,  none  at  home  .  .  . 

believe  me  ever  affectionately  yours. 

LETTER  LXI. 

12  August  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  am  much  distressd  what  to 
say  in  this  letter,  since  tho  a  change  is  accom- 
plished, we  are  no  better,  no  longer  Pitt  but  Earl 
of  Chatham,  this  was  the  fall  of  the  popular 
Poultney  when  Earl  of  Bath.  All  the  joy  and 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         147 

expectations  of  our  great  Patriots  and  indeed  the 
whole  nation,  seems  quite  damp,  for  he  has  not 
taken  the  leading  place,  is  only  Privy  Seal,  and 
now  out  of  the  House  of  Commons,  where  all 
the  Business  must  lye.  However  he  has  made 
Charles  Townshend  Chancellor  Excheqr,  who  is 
to  lead,  and  who  has  undoubted  abillities,  but 
there  you  must  stop.  It  is  understood  that 
Chatham  is  to  guide  the  whole,  and  be  abso- 
lutely supream.  The  manner  as  well  as  the  fact  of 
discarding  those  turnd  out  of  the  late  Ministry 
has  disoblidged  them,  Rockingham  extremely  so. 
Our  old  friends  go  by  the  title  of  Bedford  faction. 
Pitt  and  Temple  quite  at  variance,  pamphlets, 
epigrams,  odes,  and  more  witt  flying  about  than 
for  some  years  past.  .  .  .  Letters  are  wrote  that 
the  King  wants  men  of  abillities,  and  those  who 
are  possessed  of  them  are  expected  to  serve  him  in 
the  capacities  they  are  most  able  for.  Ld  Granby 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army.  Stanly  goes 
to  Russia,  Ellis  to  Spain,  he  was  very  far  from  a 
friend  to  your  Uncle. 

Your  brother  came  to  London  to  mount  guard 
on  Sunday.  I  am  sure  his  fortune  cannot  support 
opposition  to  Ongley,  but  he  acts  by  Lord 
Halifax's  advice.  .  .  .  Many  talk  of  resigning, 
many  they  want  to  do  so,  but  won't  it  is  recond,  I 
know  not  if  true.  Quite  a  Bureau  affair.  Can  it 
be  possible  such  oyl  and  vinegar  could  incor- 
porate ?  Tis  said  and  by  Pamphlets  provd,  Bute 


148        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL    LETTERS   OF   A 

and  Pitt  are  so.     Some  think  this  cannot  hold. 
Poor  England,  what  will  become  of  her  ? 


LETTER  LXII. 

15  August  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Except  you  was  on  the  spot, 
you  can  form  no  idea  of  our  fluctuating  situation, 
the  like  I  believe,  is  without  example  since  the 
time  of  Charles  I.  Mr.  Pitt,  who  was  the  idol, 
and  by  whose  influence  so  many  favoured  schemes 
were  applauded  last  winter,  by  only  his  name  to 
give  them  sanction,  is  now  tore  to  pieces  by  all 
sides,  that  name  is  sunk,  and  they  are  violent 
against  Ld  Chatham,  his  friends  aghast,  his  foes 
triumphant.  You  never  answer,  if  our  news- 
papers and  Pamphlets  are  ever  seen  at  Naples. 

Things  are  far  from  settled  yet.  Duke  Grafton 
ist  Ld  Treasurer.  Shelburn  and  Conway  Secre- 
taries of  State — since  these  are  fixd  there  are 
resignations  and  dismissions  every  day.  John 
York  and  Charles  Saunders  resignd  Admiralty 
last  week,  and  this  week  Ld  Egmont,  so  there 
hardly  a  Board  for  bussiness.  .  .  .  All  this 
instability  is  very  unfortunate  for  Government. 
I  can  only  add  that  if  Mr.  Pitt  can  surmount  the 
prejudices  taken  against  Lord  Chatham,  and  be 
steady  in  his  guidance,  which  is  absolutely  fixd  in 
himself  alone,  and  be  more  than  human  by  blunt- 
ing all  his  feelings  to  this  Clamor  against  him, 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.          149 

things  may  by  his  perseverance  stand  on  former 
ground, — but  if  not,  things  will  grow  too  power- 
full  for  any  guidance,  and  throw  us  into  I  know 
not  what,  nor  dare  I  think  of  a  name  for  it.  I  am 
in  hopes  he  will  lay  aside  prejudice  of  party  feuds, 
by  taking  in  those  of  the  best  abillitys  on  all 
sides.  .  .  .  All  people  displeasd,  don't  trust  the 
Cabinet.  .  .  .  Aiigust  19. — We  are  a  strange 
disconcerted  people  —  no  one  cares  to  accept 
Admiralty. 

LETTER  LXIII. 

CHARLES  STREET,  Fryday,  September  5,  1766. 

I  here  inclose  the  Ode  you  desired  me,  by  Mrs. 
Greville,  but  I  hope  you  won't  implore  Oberon, 
for  Pope  says  the  Passions  are  the  Elements  of 
Life,  without  them  the  blood  would  stagnate. 
Sherbet  is  the  beverage  of  mortals,  and  to  omit 
anyone  of  the  ingredients  would  render  it  insipid 
and  tasteless.  Sir  George  Pocock  is  varstly 
unhinged  at  his  wife's  illness,  he  sees  and  knows 
her  danger,  but  must  keep  up  spirits  with  her. 
What  avails  all  the  treasures  of  the  East  and 
West  Indies  pourd  into  their  laps,  it  will  bring  no 
happyness.  .  .  . 

Everything  in  this  country  without  stabillity, 
no  one  at  present  so  happy  in  it  as  Lord  Bristol 
and  Hervey.  If  I  have  any  judgment,  next 
winter  will  be  a  crisis.  I  saw  Lord  Stormont 


I5O       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

yesterday,  he  goes  to  Viena  next  month.  The 
clamours  are  as  much  against  Pitt  as  they  were  in 
regard  to  Predecessors,  and  yet  I  hope  he  will 
hold  it.  Fifteen  Admirals  was  disoblidged  at 
Saunders  being  put  at  the  head  of  the  Admiralty, 
tis  thought  can  only  mean  a  step  for  Keppel  to 
rise  into  that  seat,  in  short  disobligations  are 
numerous,  and  consequently  clamours.  Ld  Bristol 
is  appointed  to  Ireland,  and  is  to  reside  there 
constantly.  The  King  desired  to  appoint  the 
Secretary,  whom  he  told  him  was  his  brother 
Augustus — ^3000  a  year. 

Lord  Hertford  is  Master  of  the  Horse.  Duke 
of  Rutland  satisfyed  with  Lord  Granby  being 
Commander  in  Chief, — tis  in  vain  to  send  you  a 
red  book,  unless  one  was  printed  every  month. 

I  am  in  hopes  you  will  come  back  with  Sir 
George  Pocock,  but  this  is  man's  appointment, 
God  may  disappoint  the  whole. 

LETTER  LXIV. 

LONDON,  17  September  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Everything  continues  amaz- 
ingly uncertain,  I  dont  think  Townshend  or  North 
will  continue.  God  knows  when  our  cards  will  be 
trumps  again,  .  .  .  they  talk  of  the  Bedford  partie 
coming  in.  Lord  Weymouth  Cofferer  insted  of 
Lord  Scarborough.  Parliament  certainly  is  to 
meet  beginning  of  November,  the  Proclamation 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         151 

is  already  out  for  its  doing  so.  Sir  George 
Pocock  thinks  himself  ill-used,  .  .  .  before  he  set 
out  for  Naples,  he  kissd  hands  on  leave,  and  then 
had  an  Audience,  and  expressd  his  Resentment 
at  having  had  no  reward  for  45  years  services, 
had  been  promised  a  Peerage,  and  even  that 
forgot.  .  .  . 

Sir  Thomas  Alston  intends  to  declare  for  our 
County,  and  as  he  is  very  flighty,  imposible  he 
can  make  anything  of  it,  yet  I  think  it  will  put 
your  Brother  in  a  cleft  stick.  Lord  Barrymore 
next  month  when  he  is  of  age  to  marry  Lady 
Amelia  Stanhope,  Lord  Harrington's  3rd  daughter. 
Lord  Mont  Steward  not  yet  marryd  to  Miss 
Windsor.  6  October  Admiral  Keppel  is  to  con- 
voy our  Princess  Caroline,  the  Queen  of  Denmark, 
to  the  Hague,  from  thence  she  is  to  have  a 
miserable  journey  through  Westphalia  and  cross 
the  sea  to  Denmark. 


LETTER  LXV. 

Teusday,  23  Septr  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Believe  me  you  cannot  judge 
of  affaires  at  the  distance  you  are  from  us,  ...  it 
has  really  given  me  infinite  disquiet  to  find  you 
fix  your  mind  from  Castles  in  the  air,  .  .  .  was 
you  here,  you  would  see  things  in  a  different 
light,  the  Systym  of  Government,  families  and 
connections  are  all  moved  by  new  springs  .  .  . 


152        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF    A 

if  you  knew  the  squables  and  dificultys  they  had 
to  strugle  with  in  the  times  that  you  think  so 
hardly  on,  when  they  felt  the  ground  they  stood 
on  was  a  bog,  you  would  not  judge  as  you  do. 

I  have  enquired  how  to  get  the  Protest  I  find 
a  Peer  may  ask  a  copy,  but  as  none  are  in  town 
that  I  know,  it  will  not  be  posible  yet  a  while. 
There  is  a  rumour  as  if  some  sort  of  Coalition 
would  take  place  before  the  Parliament  meet  in 
November,  they  talk  of  Lord  Gower,  Rigby  and 
Lord  Weymouth,  who  are  all  the  Bedford  friends. 
This  will  be  a  curious  winter,  for  though  I  am 
73,  I  have  never  seen  anything  like  it. 

Lord  and  Lady  Hinchingbrook  dind  with  me 
yesterday.  All  your  relations  are  married,  and 
will  have  children  and  grandchildren  before  you 
come  home.  I  shall  wish  to  live  till  May,  that  I 
may  once  more  see  you,  being,  my  dear  Jack, 
most  affectionately  yours. 

LETTER  LXVI. 

LONDON,  Oct.  7,  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK,  —  Being  Charge  D'Affaires  is 
the  most  desirable  thing  in  your  situation,  and 
will  give  you  credit  and  reputation  to  have  been 
so  at  two  Courts. 

I  fear  I  have  seemd  to  write  a  little  cross  in 
my  two  or  three  last  letters ;  if  I  did  so  it  was 
occasioned  by  your  writing  your  intermediate 
thoughts.  .  .  . 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         153 

Several  are  drawing  off,  profess  they  will  link 
to  no  party.  The  Borough  of  Oxford  is  given  to 
Lord  Hertford  for  his  services  in  London.  This 
is  an  unprecedented  note  above  a  pention,  for  it 
is  for  ever.  Lord  Northumberland  is  made  a 
Duke.  No  happy  faces  anywhere.  It  used  to  be, 
those  out  pout,  and  those  in  grin,  but  out  or  in  all 
is  pout,  ...  we  must  be  the  redicule  of  all  foreign 
Courts. 

Our  Princess  Matilda  was  married  by  Proxie 
last  Wednesday,  and  Thursday  morning  set  out 
for  Harwich  and  so  in  the  Yatch  to  Hollond,  and 
so  to  her  King  at  Copenhagen.  The  Queen  is 
happy  with  her  Princess  Royal.  Prince  Henry 
is  created  Duke  of  Cumberland. 

Lord  Halifax  to  shoot,  and  enjoy  the  sweets 
of  the  life  of  a  country  gentleman.  Since  I 
wrote  my  other  sheet,  I  must  inform  you  Sir 
James  Gray  is  appointed  for  Spain,  and  Lord 
Cardross,  Lord  Buchan's  eldest  son,  is  appointed 
Secretary  to  the  Embassie,  therefore  all  that 
view  is  lost. 

Your  truly  affectionate  Gra. 

LETTER  LXVII. 

14  October  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Had  you  been  here  posibly 
we  might  have  got  you  to  Paris  a  Volunteer  with 
Lord  Rochford.  .  .  .  Lord  Grantham  has  given 


154       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

up  the  Post  Office,  they  talk  of  Rigby  for  it. 
I  suppose  that  is  to  sooth  the  Bedford  party. 
Marquis's  in  number  to  be  made.  Lord  Chatham 
is  now  our  whole  Governor,  I  wish  he  may  work 
mericles,  but  all  this  placing  and  displacing  shews, 
I  think,  a  timidity.  There  is  no  partie,  every- 
thing is  blended  together,  no  connections,  for  they 
tye  and  untye  every  day  as  convenience  and  advan- 
tage offer.  Honor  and  faith  and  friendship  may 
be  scratchd  out  of  the  Dictionary,  for  they  are  all 
words  without  meanings,  in  short,  my  dear  Jack, 
I  will  not  think,  for  tis  in  vain.  Everything  here 
is  persueing  a  shadow,  all  is  delusion.  I  hope, 
however,  that  I  shall  keep  an  old  fashion  heart, 
and  remain  most  truly  your  affectionate. 

LETTER  LXVIII. 

28  October  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  sent  your  last  letter  to  your 
brother  at  Chicksands,  but  he  is  rambling  about 
to  Newnham  and  Great  worth,  and  Lord  Halifax 
is  rambling  too.  There  can  be  no  expectation  of 
anything  this  winter  by  his  interest.  Petitions, 
peerages,  places  are  lavishly  given,  all  to  prevent 
the  Rockingham  and  Bedford  joyning,  they  will 
be  powerfull  indeed  if  it  cannot  be  prevented,  and 
the  present  conductors  must  be  overturned.  Be 
carefull  and  cautious  of  the  Hollonds  and  Foxes, 
and  dont  let  a  word  transpire  to  them  of  what 


LADY  OF  THE  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY.    155 

your  letters  say.  Caution  Hamilton  also.  Duke 
of  Buccleughs  brother  is  dead  of  a  fever  at  Paris, 
greatly  lamented,  they  say  much  superior  to  his 
brother.  You  knew  him. 

This  day  fortnight  Parliament  is  to  meet. 

No  mortal  yet  come  to  town. 

Novr  4th.  .  .  .  Your  Sir  James  Porter  has  had 
all  his  family  inoculated,  and  all  is  well  and  over. 
Mr.  Villiers,  Ld.  Grandison's  son,  was  inoculated 
from  the  subject  taken  from  them,  but  not  yet 
come  out.  .  .  . 

The  month  of  May  will  I  hope,  turn  all  things 
to  suit  the  pleasures  that  spring  should  produce. 
One  year  goeth  and  another  cometh,  with  every 
change  to  hurt,  not  only  individuals,  but  the 
whole. 

We  have  a  very  uncomfortable  prospect,  the 
poor  murmuring  and  rising  in  all  parts,  provisions 
at  so  exorbitant  a  rate,  they  must  starve  except 
the  Parliament  can  find  means  to  prevent  Fore- 
stallers  who  monopolize  all  things  that  ought  to 
have  been  in  common  to  the  people.  Your 
Brother  has  only  had  power  to  make  his  tenants 
cry,  but  not  to  make  them  sell  their  grain  at  a 
reasonable  price.  They  keep  their  barns  full,  in 
hopes  by  the  scarcity  to  sell  it  at  an  immoderate 
rate,  and  indeed  they  deserve  it.  The  Mob,  or 
by  what  other  name  they  will  be  calld,  will  level 
all  to  the  ground,  and  there  will  be  neither  Barns 
or  grain  left  —  they  have  been  very  desperate 


156        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

in  many  countrys,  and  have  reason,  tho  these 
riotous  proceedings  must  be  suppressd  if  posible. 
Liberty  is  gone  to  too  great  a  length.  Adieu. 

LETTER  LXIX. 

5  December  1766. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — We  have  moved  every  spring 
we  could  for  you.  ...  I  got  a  proper  friend  to 
recommend  you  to  our  great  Commander  in  the 
shape  of  Admiral  Byng's  nephew.  .  .  .  Lord 
Ossory  is  chiefly  where  hunting  and  horses  can 
be  his  devertion,  does  not  seem  to  care  to  be  a 
Senator  yet.  I  fancy  his  turn  is  not  very  agree- 
able to  his  uncle.  .  .  .  Our  two  new  brides, 
Dutches  Portland  and  Lady  Montstewart,  have 
exceeding  brilliant  equipages,  the  whole  conversa- 
tion is  at  present  on  that  subject.  They  were 
both  presented  at  Court  last  week.  White 
Coaches,  or  rather  a  petit  Gris  colour,  silk  reines 
and  topings  cut  a  most  glaring  and  spreaded 
appearance.  The  ladies  may  look  happy,  but  I 
see  no  man  that  looks  so. 

Tis  feard  General  Stenwix  and  his  family  are 
lost  coming  from  Ireland  a  month  since,  and  have 
not  been  heard  of. 

Wether  Prerogative,  Liberty,  or  Aristocracy  is 
to  be  the  thing  this  winter  who  can  tell.  Some 
shape  surely  must  be  found.  If  I  had  no  children, 
I  should  not  care  a  fig,  but  as  it  is  otherways  I 
am  not  so  easy. 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.          157 

No  time  or  reign  has  ever  produced  events  like 
the  present.  Surely  some  malignant  star  influences 
our  conduct.  All  is  Helter  Schelter,  sense  and 
reason  is  fled  to  other  climes.  Keppel  not  only 
resignd  Admiralty,  but  Bedchamber,  ...  on  this 
break  the  Bedfords  were  sought.  The  Duke  said 
he  would  come  up  and  negotiate  himself,  would 
not  transact  through  seconds,  but  before  he 
arrived,  Sir  Edward  Hawk,  Sir  Percy  Bret  and 
Jenkinson  were  appointed  to  the  Admiralty.  He 
thought  this  so  great  a  slight,  he  broke  all  off, 
and  returnd  to  Woburn,  and  will  I  conclude  be 
bitterer  than  ever.  Delawar  Master  Horse  — 
everyone  gapeing  for  this  extraordinary  place. 
Tell  Sir  George  Pocock  of  all  these  outs  and  ins, 
but  be  cautious,  no  one  knows  Who  is  Who. 
This  day  to  be  a  great  one  (5  Decr)  in  the 
House  of  Commons.  Your  Brother  will  write 
next  post.  Tis  in  regard  to  the  dispensing  power, 
an  exact  pararel  to  the  General  Warrants,  only 
they  change  sides.  .  .  .• 

Believe  me,  dear  Jack,  in  all  your  situations,  I 
shall  be  most  faithfully  yours. 

LETTER  LXX. 

CHARLES  STREET,  BERKELEY  SQUARE, 
January  2nd,  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — My  best  wishes  have,  I 
hope,  reached  you  in  time  for  the  New  Year 


158        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

and  I  repeat  them  again.  Severall  mournings 
also  present  themselves  to  you,  not  only  your 
Aunt  Margaret  Osborn,  but  poor  Lady  Guilford ; 
you  must  mourn  for  six  weeks.  Commissioner 
Osborn  also  is  in  grief  for  his  only  son  George, 
he  was  a  puny  boy,  and  not  like  to  have  spirit 
for  this  world,  but  a  Parent  feells  the  affliction, 
and  cannot  alleviate  by  such  reflections.  When- 
ever you  return  you  will  find  Death  has  made  a 
sweep  among  your  family  and  friends.  The 
Commissioner  and  Admiral  are  very  tottering, 
and  seem  almost  ready  to  obey  his  call.  I  say 
nothing  of  one  more  near. 

Lady  Guilford  has  disappointed  many  expecta- 
tions by  making  her  will  entirely  in  Lord  Guil- 
ford's  favour.  Lord  Bolingbroke  choosing  to 
spend  all  at  Arthur's  and  Newmarket  was  no 
essential  loss  to  him,  since  all  would  have  gone 
there,  and  being  parted  from  his  wife,  no  prospect 
of  his  children  proving  better  than  their  parents. 
.  .  .  The  Estate  was  recond  ^4000  a  year, 
this  is  lucky  for  Lord  North.  .  .  .  Lord 
Cornwallis  is  made  Justice  in  Eyre,  ^2000  a  year. 
He  is  with  his  Reg1,  at  Minorca,  the  last  letter 
from  him  said  he  intended  to  spend  Carnival  in 
Italic,  and  not  come  home  till  spring,  but  this 
employ  is  given  to  him  unsolicited.  .  .  .  Every 
step  of  these  times  are  astonishing,  seems  as  if 
caprice  had  a  share  ...  at  present  hope  is  all  we 
live  on.  Adieu. 


LADY  OF  THE  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY.       159 

LETTER  LXXI. 

CHARLES  STREET,  13  January  1676. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — It  is  an  uncommon  expres- 
sion of  affection  to  say  I  rejoyce  at  your  being  at 
Naples,  for  England  this  winter  is  Moscovy,  so 
severe  a  climate  has  not  been  here  since  the  year 
1740.  Intense  cold  and  snow  so  deep  no  com- 
munication of  roads,  that  even  the  post  is  day 
beyond  the  usal  time,  and  the  streets  in  London 
almost  impassable.  What  must  poor  wretches 
suffer  who  can  have  neither  Victuals,  Cloaths,  or 
Work  to  procure  them  any,  when  even  those  who 
enjoy  the  blessing  of  comforts,  so  hardly  endure 
it. 

The  turn  of  times  here  is  too  unaccountable  to 
be  credited  ...  at  present  both  England  and 
Ireland  are  under  Chatham's  thumb,  a  secret 
spring  may  guide  the  motions,  but  the  ways  are 
unsearchable,  and  past  finding  out. 

Lord  Bristol  says  publickly  he  shall  not  move 
in  Ireland  but  under  the  direction  of  Lord 
Chatham. 

Lord  Barrymore's  day  was  fixd  for  Lady 
Amelia  Stanhope,  the  dinner  prepard  at  Lord 
Harrington's,  the  Bride  dressd,  when  behold  the 
messenger  with  letter  acquainted  him  Lord  Barry- 
more  was  taken  ill,  and  his  Physician  advised  him 
to  put  off  the  Weding,  he  has  been  ill  ever  since, 
some  believe  it,  others  don't,  and  think  he  repents. 


I6O        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF    A 

Your  Uncle  Lord  Halifax  is  in  grief,  has  lost 
his  only  son  George. 

My   dear    Jack,    may    health    and    prosperity 
attend  you. 

your  truly  affect. 


LETTER  LXXII. 

Teusday,  February  10,  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — It  is  just  a  month  since  I 
wrote  to  you,  when  I  was  taken  ill  in  the  midle 
of  writing  that  letter,  however  I  finished  it  in  my 
bed  before  the  post  went  out.  From  that  time  I 
had  Sir  Clifton  Wintringham  seventeen  days  twice 
a  day.  I  have  still  relapses,  but  while  Bleeding 
relieves,  here  I  shall  be.  At  73  how  long,  God 
alone  knows.  Your  brother  was  sent  for  and 
came  all  night  in  that  dreadfull  snow.  ...  I  am 
perfectly  resignd  to  the  Will  of  Heaven,  for  I 
consider  myself  of  no  use  to  either  of  you.  .  .  . 

Feb.  20. — I  hear  Miss  Bows  is  married  this  day 
to  Lord  Strathmore.  The  two  brides  who  make 
the  principal  conversation  at  present  are  Mr. 
George  Pitt's  daughter,  bred  in  convent  at  Sens, 
from  which  Mr.  Legonier  fetchd  her.  At  present 
her  dress  is  the  wonder  of  the  town,  her  head  a 
yard  high,  and  filld  or  rather  coverd  with  feathers 
to  an  enormous  size,  fitter  for  a  Masquerade  than 
a  drawingroom.  The  other  is  Lady  Guidon,  who 
was  Miss  Wilmot,  her  headdress  is  as  high,  but 


LADY  OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.          l6l 

is  built  up  like  a  rock  with  diamonds,  and  indeed 
she  is  so  much  coverd  with  jewels,  that  they 
compare  her  to  a  lark  wrapped  up  in  crumbs. 
Lord  Chatham  is  again  detaind  at  Marlborow, 
the  whole  machin  of  government  therefore  stands 
still.  Parliament  meets  on  pretence  of  business, 
but  postpones  it  to  a  future  day. 

Your  brother  desires  me  to  say  he  will  write  as 
soon  as  our  great  Director  comes  to  put  the 
wheels  in  motion.  At  present  there  is  no  spirit 
but  what  newspapers  spit  forth,  for  things  are 
grown  too  serious  to  bear  a  joke.  I  may  totter 
on  for  some  time,  tho  alterd  in  person  yet  never 
can  in  my  affection  for  you,  while  I  crawl  on  this 
earth  and  am  able  to  tell  you  so.  Adieu. 

LETTER  LXXIII. 

LONDON,  March  6,  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  can  now  assure  you  I  am 
better,  though  I  must  not  expect  a  return  of 
strength  at  my  time  of  day  that  cannot  be  re- 
cruited. Lord  Halifax,  his  son  and  daughter 
dined  here  last  Saterday,  but  I  was  not  able  to  go 
down  to  dinner.  The  Ministry  lost  the  question 
by  1 8  last  fryday,  and  they  did  not  endeavour  to 
battle  it  or  devide  the  House  on  the  report  next 
day.  Most  people  are  pleasd  that  3d  Land  Tax 
is  gained  by  the  Opposition.  Lord  North  from 
being  in  office  must  use  his  brightest  talents, 


1 62        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

but  was  left  in  the  lurch  by  Lord  Charles 
Townshend,  whom  he  was  to  support,  and  who 
soon  gave  up  the  point  himself.  Shelburn  was 
dispatchd  next  morning  to  Marlborough,  where 
our  principal  and  indeed  sole  guide  has  been  laid 
up  with  the  gout  at  an  inn,  twas  said  so  bad,  he 
could  neither  return  or  come  forward,  but  Shel- 
burne's  intelligence  of  defeat  electrified  him,  and 
into  his  coach  he  got  imediatly,  away  to  London, 
and  to  the  King,  and  tis  now  said  a  defeat  is  of 
no  consequence,  and  that  tis  all  right.  New  ways 
of  thinking  transpire  every  day. 

Duke  of  Buccleugh  is  very  soon  to  marry  Lady 
Betty  Montagu's  daughter.  Lady  Dalkeith,  his 
mother,  so  happy  with  the  match  she  could  not 
sleep  for  three  nights  after  it  was  settled.  Last 
Saturday  Hariot  Bladen  was  married  to  Lord 
Essex.  Poor  Lady  Amelia  Stanhope  must  see 
many  more  matches  concluded  before  her  own, 
for  Lord  Barrymore  is  oblidged  to  submit  to  a 
salivation,  which  he  is  now  in,  before  he  can  be 
a  bridegroom.  Almacks,  Soho,  Concerts,  Bur- 
lettas  and  Operas  engages  all  the  idle  people  every 
night,  which  makes  such  invalids  as  myself  much 
alone.  Parties  at  cards  and  assemblies  take  all 
their  turn,  so  that  the  hours  and  days  are  much 
too  short  for  all  that  must  be  done,  and  we  are 
now  in  the  hight  of  our  diversions. 

My  dear  Jack,  I  am  yours  with  very  tender 
affection.  Adieu. 


LADY  OF  THE  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY.      163 

LETTER  LXXIV. 

March  17,  1767,  LONDON. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — By  this  time  I  conclude  it 
is  time  to  find  you  at  Rome.  .  .  .  There  is 
nothing  here  but  confusion,  every  department  a 
rope  of  sand.  I  believe  History  does  not  afford 
the  like,  every  partie,  every  connection  broke  to 
peices.  Sir  James  Grey  not  gone  yet.  He 
laboured  much  against  any  Secretary  to  the 
Embassy  being  appointed,  said  they  were  of  no 
use  and  that  it  would  be  a  great  saving  to 
Government  to  strike  off  that  expence,  they  have 
not  reguarded  his  Occonomy,  and  today  I  hear  a 
younger  brother  of  Lord  Walpole's  is  to  be  ap- 
pointed .  .  .  here  is  almost  Lady  Day  and  nothing 
done,  all  the  Chiefs  have  their  several  convenient 
maladies,  one  or  two  the  gout,  that  by  one  im- 
pediment or  other  all  bussiness  is  posponed,  no 
Budget  yet  opend,  no  plan  of  Supply.  One  day 
Charles  Townshend  was  on  the  point  to  resign, 
he  had  slunk  away  into  the  Citty  and  could  not 
be  found,  but  no  one  would  accept  his  place, 
therefore  all  met  again,  shook  hands  and  friends, 
all  this  must  appear  to  you  to  be  children's  play. 

Lord  Tavistock's  accident  is  a  miserable  affair. 
This  day  senight  at  the  Redborn  Hunt  of  near  50 
gentlemen,  his  horse  in  a  leap  came  too  short 
over  and  fell,  throwd  Lord  Tavistock  off,  who 
catching  at  bridle,  made  the  horse  plunge,  and 


164       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

struck  both  stomach  and  head,  and  fracturd  his 
scul.  He  was  taken  up  speachless,  and  carried 
to  a  farm  House  where  he  still  is,  his  life  or 
death  yet  uncertain.  Gataker  was  sent  imme- 
diatly.  The  horse  had  trapand  him,  and  there- 
fore Gataker  had  only  to  take  out  the  splinterd 
bones  and  peices  of  scul.  The  chance  is  yet 
against  him,  as  you  may  guess  from  the  situation 
he  is  in,  somtimes  favourable  accounts,  at  other 
dispairing  ones.  There  is  a  large  afflicted  family, 
and  indeed  the  whole  town  lamenting  the  unfortu- 
nate case.  There  are  two  sons,  but  what  a  blow 
to  the  tender  passions  of  his  parents  and  wife,  as 
well  as  the  Pride  and  ambition  of  his  father,  and 
indeed  a  loss  to  our  county. 

Your  brother's  love  attends  you,  with  that  of 
your  truly  affect.  Gra. 


'^LETTER  LXXV. 

Teusday,  22  March  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Tho'  they  began  polling  at 
Northampton  last  Thursday,  yet  there  is  not  a 
probability  of  it  being  over  under  4  or  5  days. 
Therefore  postpone  all  things  relating  to  that 
expensive  and  troublesome  affair  till  the  end  of 
this  letter,  in  hopes  there  may  be  a  final  deter- 
mination of  it  before  I  seal  it.  ...  We  are  now 
in  the  midst  of  faction  and  riot.  Wilkes  has 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         165 

daringly  stepd  forth  with  an  audacious  attempt  to 
stand  for  the  Citty,  and  tho  he  is  an  Outlaw,  bids 
defiance  to  Government.  ...  I  hope  he  has  no 
chance  of  being  chose  a  Citty  member,  tho' 
yesterday  a  coach  with  six  horses  was  ready  to 
take  him  off  the  hustings  to  the  place  of  dinner, 
and  when  half  way  they  took  out  the  horses,  and 
carryd  his  Coach  themselves,  strange  infatuation ! 
but  all  this  is  Mob.  .  .  .  Tis  said  2  millions  will 
be  spent  in  Elections,  £20  and  ^"30,000  comes 
out  of  every  purse.  Nabobs,  Contractors,  Silver- 
smiths, bankrupts,  are  in  high  luck,  there  will 
hardly  be  200  real  gentlemen  in  the  House.  The 
landed  Interest  dyed  with  the  last  Parliament. 
.  .  .  Adieu,  affect,  yours. 


LETTER  LXXVI. 

CHARLES  STREET,  BERKELEY  SQUARE, 

Teusday,  24  March  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK,  —  My  last  wrote  to  you  this 
day  senight  to  Rome  had  the  Particuler  and 
dismal  account  of  poor  Lord  Tavistock's  accident. 
By  that  you  could  entertain  no  hope  of  a  favour- 
able one  in  my  next,  therefore  not  surprised  when 
I  tell  you  he  languished  under  many  severe  opera- 
tions till  yesterday  morning,  when  at  4  oclock  he 
dyed.  The  faculty  never  had  the  least  hope  of 
his  recovery,  tho'  gave  flattering  ones  to  the  Duke 


1 66        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

of  Bedford,  and  therefore  the  thunderbolt  has 
almost  demolished  him.  You  know  his  passions 
are  strong,  and  he  is  almost  distracted.  Poor 
Lady  Tavistock  who  never  was  permitted  to  see 
him,  tho'  went  to  a  house  within  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  where  he  lay,  but  the  agitation  of  seeing  her 
was  not  to  be  venturd, — she  was  brought  to  town 
yesterday  neither  dead  nor  alive,  has  been  in  fitts 
ever  since,  and  greatly  to  be  pittyd,  for  they  were 
very  happy.  She  has  two  boys,  and  in  time  I 
hope  will  take  comfort  in  them  as  I  have  done  in 
mine.  My  loss  was  a  Tavistock  to  me,  and 
therefore  I  feel  greatly  for  the  whole  family. 

Your  brother  by  advice  of  his  friends  has  wrote 
circular  letters,  it  was  agreed  by  all  that  he  stood 
pledgd  to  the  County  by  his  applycation  last 
summer,  and  therefore  his  offer  now  could  not 
be  avoided,  .  .  .  there  must  immediatly  be  a 
meeting  appointed,  and  he  must  then  judge  his 
strength.  Lord  Tavistock  is  an  irreparable  loss 
to  our  County,  there  will  not  be  a  proper  head  to 
it  left  when  Duke  Bedford  dyes,  this  must  shorten 
his  days,  and  damp  all  ambitions,  he  is  now  ex- 
tremly  ill.  You  cannot  conceive  how  all  people 
from  the  King  to  the  labourers  lament  for  Lord 
Tavistock,  there  never  was  greater  grief.  Ossory 
is  so  shy  in  the  country  that  no  one  there  takes 
to  him,  but  how  far  the  tenderness  of  people's 
Hearts  may  move  them  to  indulge  the  Duke  of 
Bedford  in  the  person  of  his  nephew,  a  little  time 


LADY    OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.          167 

will  shew  otherways.  Alston  who  has  great 
interest  intends  going  down  to  the  Meeting 
and  supports  yr  Brother  with  all  his  power. 
T'will  appear  a  bold  stroke  for  a  private  gentle- 
man, to  bring  an  opposition  against  so  powerfull  a 
person,  and  two  such  powerfull  purses,  it  sounds 
running  his  head  against  a  brick  wall.  Pray  God 
send  him  well  out  of  this  scrape. 

LETTER  LXXVII. 

LONDON,  31  March  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  fret  a  little  to  find  after  next 
quarter  yr  income  will  decrease,  since  I  conclude 
you  will  think  it  right  to  resign  your  studentship 
by  that  time.  .  .  .  This  has  been  a  trying  winter 
for  old  and  young.  Death  has  made  great  havock 
and  caused  much  grief  in  many  families,  that  of 
the  Bedfords  exceeds  all  the  rest. 

Lady  Cork  has  such  continual  histerick  fitts 
that  it  has  shewd  the  shocking  effects  on  the  poor 
Dungarvan  who  is  quite  an  idiot.  Duke  of  Man- 
chester must  seek  another  country,  the  house  in 
this  square  to  be  sold,  the  castle  in  the  country  to 
be  let,  but  who  is  there  can  take  it  ?  He  has  not 
paid  a  tradesman  since  his  father  dyed. 

At  present  I  am  wore  down,  lye  upon  the  first 
flour,  not  able  to  go  up  or  down.  We  have  a  long 
severe  winter  which  continues  still,  tho  tomorrow 
is  April.  The  chance  is  against  me,  70  od  weighs 


1 68        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL  LETTERS   OF  A 

very  heavy  in  the  scail,  but  whenever  it  happens 
I  shall  dye  in  the  assurance  that  you  two  Brothers 
will  preserve  an  inviolable  friendship  for  each  other 
as  long  as  you  live. 

The  Hinchinbrookes  say  they  cannot  live  on 
^2000  a  year  rent  charge,  which  is  as  good  as 
^2500  Estate,  they  talk  of  retireing  into  the 
Country.  There  surely  is  some  Influence  over 
this  Island,  no  one  is  happy  or  settled,  .  .  .  your 
brother  is  gone  into  Beds,  to  try  his  strength  at 
the  election.  I  think  he  has  no  chance,  for  all 
the  great  and  principal  personages  are  so  softened 
by  the  Duke's  affliction  that  they  are  tender  of 
adding  to  the  disturbance  of  his  mind,  and  there- 
fore most  like  your  friend  Ossory  will  find  an 
easy  seat. 

I  am  most  truly  yr  affectionate. 

LETTER  LXXVIII. 

April  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  have  opened  your  brother's 
letter  to  tell  you  .  .  .  that  when  the  writ  was 
read  by  the  Sheriff  at  the  meeting  your  Brother 
made  his  speech  to  say  he  looked  upon  himself 
pledgd  to  the  County,  .  .  .  but  as  the  gentlemen 
were  inclynd  to  pay  a  tribute  of  regard  to  their 
late  worthy  member  (Lord  Tavistock)  by  choos- 
ing his  relation,  he  very  readily  joynd  with  them 
in  it.  ...  Everybody  is  undone  in  England, 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         169 

every  day  produces  new  distresses,  the  immense 
expence  of  the  Hunting  gentlemen  makes  horses 
and  hounds  a  drug  that  must  be  sold,  an  infatua- 
tion runs  through  the  whole  plan  of  living,  and 
insted  of  being  happy,  everyone  has  made  them- 
selves miserable  and  must  all  transport  themselves 
to  America.  Lord  Chatham  is  they  say,  too  ill 
for  bussiness,  sees  no  mortal  except  Lord  Bristol, 
sends  back  unopened  all  letters  from  the  Ministers, 
but  yet  holds  the  Helm,  which  is  a  most  distress- 
ing situation  for  us.  Charles  Townshend  opend 
his  Budget  yesterday  and  by  a  most  able  speach 
adjourned  the  House  for  ten  days,  and  sent  all 
parties  home  in  good  humour.  There  is,  how- 
ever, all  materiel  business  left  undone.  India 
Company  Affaires  is  the  great  object  to  settle, 
and  in  that  Townshend  does  not  draw  with  Lord 
Chatham,  therefore  he  will  not  see  him,  nor  either 
of  the  Secretarys  of  State,  and  nothing  conclusive 
can  pass  without  his  sanction.  For  my  own  part 
I  conclude  he  will  fling  up,  and  say  he  cannot 
guide.  Bedford  has  surprized  all  the  House  Lords, 
for  being  as  composed  and  seemingly  as  well  as 
ever,  spoke  well  and  warm.  A  charming  monody 
on  poor  Tavistock,  tis  said  by  Emely  who  was 
his  tutor. 

Your  acquaintance  Lord  Anglesea  is  the  pre- 
sent town  talk.  He  was  at  Lord  Lyttletons  last 
year,  and  there  who  made  love  to  his  daughter, 
who  is  of  a  romantick  turn,  therefore  took  all  his 


I/O        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF   A 

Oditys  for  wit,  and  liked  him  much.  The  father 
did  not  disapprove,  however  a  month  ago  he 
dansed  at  Almacks  with  Lady  Frances  Howard, 
and  made  love  and  proposed  to  her,  after  a  thou- 
sand rediculous  things  imposible  to  relate,  he  went 
again  to  Miss  Littleton,  and  then  to  Lord  Carlisle 
to  say  he  was  engaged  to  Lytleton,  but  his  heart 
and  love  was  to  Lady  Frances,  this  all  came 
to  be  too  serious  to  persue.  Lord  Carlisle  her 
brother  challengd  him,  he  only  answered  he  had 
done  his  family  too  much  injury  to  add  to  it  and 
askd  pardon.  He  went  to  Sir  Richard  Lyttleton 
for  advice,  who  told  him  he  ought  to  go  home 
and  be  blooded,  and  never  show  his  face  more. 
Tis  said  he  is  gone  abroad. 

Lord  Barrymore  who  was  the  whole  conversa- 
tion of  last  January,  is  married  to  Lady  Emilia 
Stanhope,  these  have  been  two  the  most  remark- 
able adventures  of  this  age.  Duke  Manchester's 
house  is  sold  to  Child  the  banker  for  ;£  10,000 
guineas. 

My  dear  Jack,  Adieu,  most  affectionately  yours. 

LETTER  LXXIX. 

LONDON,  May  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  hope  it  will  be  agreeable  to 
you  to  hurry  home  as  fast  as  you  can,  not  that 
there  is  a  certainty  of  an  immediate  prospect  here, 
but  as  the  confusion  thickens,  a  convulsion  of 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         171 

some  sort  must  be  the  consequence,  .  .  .  therefore 
hast  away  and  try  to  find  solidity,  judgment  and 
sincerity  in  England,  where  you  will  also  be  sure 
to  find  true  affection  and  regard.  I  conclude  the 
intention  of  your  tour  through  Italic  is  to  survey 
the  Southern  Courts,  that  you  may  judge  of  them 
in  future  time,  for  meerly  travelling  must  be 
attended  with  too  much  expence  where  there  is 
no  foundation  for  it. 

I  am  afraid  you  will  find  everybody  sower, 
there  is  not  a  happy  face,  various  causes  for  it, 
debt  and  politicks  are  chief  ones. 

Lord  Anglesey  is  married  to  Miss  Lyttleton — 
a  happy  pair  no  doubt. 

Our  Parliament  both  Lords  and  Commons  sett 
late,  and  many  long  days  there  have  been  lately. 
Neither  India  or  American  Affaires  more  settled 
than  a  month  past.  The  two  Irish  peers,  Barry- 
mare  and  Anglesea,  walk  with  their  Countesses 
arm  in  arm  at  Ranelagh  every  night.  I  believe 
people  are  rather  cautious  of  being  forward  in 
their  acquaintance. 

We  have  still  fires,  and  still  must  call  it  winter. 
I  hope  you  will  bring  summer  with  you. 

Your  truly  affect. 

LETTER  LXXX. 

CHARLES  STREET,  24  July  1767. 
MY   DEAR  JACK, — Your  last   letter   from   Pisa 
left  me  hopes  that  a   longer  time   there   would 


1 72        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

establish  your  health,  .  .  .  should  any  remains  of 
your  complaint  be  still  left,  our  Baths  at  Bath 
will  be  as  salutary  as  those  you  have  left.  This 
day  great  Thunder  and  Lightening,  I  hope  it  will 
clear  the  air,  which  has  been  very  close  and  un- 
healthy some  time  past.  Agues  and  fevers 
never  known  so  much  in  London,  everybody  in 
some  degree  or  other  from  the  King,  Lord 
Chatham,  to  the  servants  of  every  house.  Lon- 
don is  greatly  improved  since  you  left  it  that  you 
will  not  believe  it  the  same  citty.  The  Pavement 
is  amazing,  and  the  lights  in  the  Squares  and 
Streets  so  too.  If  you  meet  with  English  papers, 
you  must  not  depend  on  anything  you  read  in 
them,  nothing  is  done,  but  a  great  deal  doing. 
Your  truly  affect. 

LETTER  LXXXI. 

CHARLES  STREET,  8  September  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  thank  you  for  your  letter 
from  Lucca.  I  am  glad  you  have  received  benefit 
from  the  Baths  of  Pisa.  .  .  .  We  have  had 
an  irreparable  loss  in  the  death  of  Mr.  Charles 
Townshend,  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  who 
dyed  last  Fryday  evening  greatly  lamented  by  all 
people,  without  dispute  the  most  able,  the  most 
knowing,  the  most  eloquent  man  in  the  Kingdom, 
was  an  acquisition  to  any  Partie  that  had  him,  his 
wit  got  the  preference  of  his  prudence,  therefore 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         173 

rather  unstedy,  but  upon  the  whole  he  was  a  most 
aimable  man  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  the  Pub- 
lick  have  a  loss,  but  his  Mother  and  Brother  have 
a  much  greater  never  to  be  repaird,  must  be 
sensibly  felt  by  them  to  their  last  moments.  A 
putrid  fever  has  leveled  him  now  with  other 
mortals.  Lord  Bute's  second  son  Worteley,  who 
is  to  enjoy  all  the  Worteley  riches,  has  married 
himself  from  the  University  at  Edinburgh  to  a 
Miss  Cunningham,  the  Duke  of  Gordon  to  a  Miss 
Maxwell,  both  lucky  Scotch  ladies. 

Poor  Doctor  Gregory  is  going,  a  fever  and 
dropsy,  on  the  declyne,  as  is  your  truly  affect. 

LETTER  LXXXII. 

[The  Northampton  election  spoken  of  in  this  letter 
came  off  in  1768,  and  is  known  by  the  name  of  the 
"  Spendthrift  Election."  Lord  Spencer  is  said  to  have 
spent  £150,000  on  the  contest,  and  Lords  Northampton 
and  Halifax  £100,000.] 

September  29,  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Venice  is  a  terible  place,  very 
unlucky  your  fate  led  you  there.  That  damp 
air  much  more  prejudicial  than  English.  .  .  . 
Great  contests  att  all  elections,  and  England  must 
be  for  a  twelvemonth  to  come  a  most  disagreeable 
place.  Your  Uncle,  Lord  Halifax,  was  well 
attended  by  all  his  family  at  Northampton  Races. 
Ld  Northampton  and  Ld  Halifax  mett  there 


174        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF   A 

on  extreme  good  terms,  and  were  to  settle  the 
members  for  the  General  Elections.  They  were 
to  nominate  them  at  this  meeting.  Ld  North- 
ampton named  his  brother-in-law,  Sir  George 
Rodney,  and  Lord  Halifax  his  nephew,  Sir 
George  Osborn,  therefore  your  brother  is  now  in 
full  employ,  feasting  and  canvassing.  .  .  .  For 
several  years  these  two  families  have  brought  in 
by  compromise  each  one  member,  so  there  is  no 
Contest,  and  the  expence  a  trifle  in  comparison  of 
what  others  are,  perhaps  four  or  five  thousand 
pounds.  Sir  Robert  Barnard  says  he  has  ^"45,000 
in  his  Bankers  hands,  and  will  spend  it  all  in 
opposition  to  Hinchingbrook  and  Carisfort  for 
Co.  Huntington.  Duke  of  Portland  engages 
against  Sir  James  Lowther.  Carlisle,  Cumber- 
land, and  all  the  North  are  in  flames  by  these 
potent  interests  clashing.  Lord  Edward  Bentinck 
is  sure  to  come  in  somewhere,  golden  showers 
water  his  cause. 

Lord  Palmerston  met  Miss  Pool  at  Spa.  Those 
waters  produce  many  amours,  and  though  ten 
years  older  than  himself,  is  agreeable,  sensible, 
and  so  clever,  that  notwithstanding  his  intentions 
of  marrying  a  fortune,  and  she  has  none,  yet 
Love  prevaild,  and  he  was  married  to  her  last 
week. 

Lord  and  Lady  North  dind  with  me  the  day 
before  they  went  out  of  town,  as  he  would  be  a 
great  man  soon,  I  began  my  solicitations  before 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         175 

he  was  so,  and  put  in  my  Claim  with  regard  to 
you. 

Sunday  last  Wrotesley  came  express  with  the 
death  of  the  Duke  of  York,  there  was  before  that 
accounts  come  of  his  dangerous  illness.  Perhaps 
we  don't  know  truth,  but  they  call  it  a  putrid 
fever,  occasioned  by  his  dancing  in  violent 
hurrys.  ...  I  have  a  terible  opinion  of  all  the 
Physitians  abroad,  they  are  absolute  Quacks. 
They  are  a  pert  society,  and  all  those  abroad  are 
full  of  the  condition  of  the  English,  that  it  is 
miserable  to  fall  into  their  hands.  Moliere  well 
has  described  them,  sets  them  forth  in  their  true 
colours,  and  shews  what  a  state  of  Body  and  mind 
they  reduce  their  friends  to. 

your  affectionate. 

LETTER  LXXXIII. 

CHARLES  STREET,  16  October  1767. 
MY  DEAR  JACK, — It  was  your  Brother's  turn  to 
have  wrote  now,  but  the  Opposition  of  Sir  James 
Langham  finds  him  full  employment,  and  he 
oblidged  to  scamper  away  to  Northampton  this 
morning.  This  foolish  affair  will  occasion  the 
two  Earls  to  draw  their  purses.  ,£800  to  each 
already,  a  very  vexatious  circumstance,  but  your 
Uncle  is  determind  to  go  through  it  at  all  events, 
and  as  they  remain  600  a  head  of  Sir  James, 
there  seems  no  doubt  it  must  and  will  end  well. 


176        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

All  this  week  has  been  full  of  surprizes,  the 
Sun  has  shone  most  gloriously  into  this  room. 
.  .  .  George  Montagu  is  appointed  Secretary  to 
the  Chancellor  of  Exchequer.  Lord  North  has 
kissed  hands  for  that  .  .  . 

In  reading  Lord  Lyttleton's  Harry  2nd,  a 
passage  struck  me  of  a  letter  from  good  Thobald, 
old  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  to  him,  who  was 
the  imediate  predecessor  of  Becket.  "  My  flesh 
is  consumd,  and  my  soul  is  on  the  point  of 
departing  from  my  body,  but  it  still  lingers 
in  hope  and  desire  of  your  coming,  it  will  not 
suffer  mine  eyes  to  close  till  they  have  had  the 
satisfaction  of  beholding  your  face,"  but  he  dyed 
before  King  Harry  returned  to  England,  who  was 
then  in  France. 

My  dear  Jack,  most  affectionately  yours. 

LETTER  LXXXIV. 

LONDON,  27  October  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — The  delightfull  weather  we 
now  have  makes  me  wish  you  here.  .  .  .  The 
Montreal  is  not  yet  arrived  with  Duke  of  York's 
remains,  but  expected  every  day.  .  .  .  Novr 
$rd.  .  .  .  The  Contest  at  Northampton  runs 
high,  and  the  Spenser  Interest  broke  faith  severall 
times.  Sir  James  Langham  has,  however,  given 
up,  used  Lord  Spenser  very  ill.  .  .  . 

Yesterday  morning  the  Queen  gave  birth  to  a 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         177 

fourth  son.  The  day  was  strangely  devided  by 
joy  in  the  morning  and  grief  in  the  evening, 
when  the  Duke  of  York's  remains  were  brought 
from  Greenwich,  to  the  Jerusalem  Chamber,  and 
are  to  be  interred  in  Westminster  Abbey  this 
evening.  I  conclude  grief  has  took  its  seat  at 
your  Court,  at  the  unexpected  death  of  the  Arch- 
Duchess  Josepha.  .  .  .  Never  were  such 
stormy  contests  as  now. 

yours  affectionately. 

LETTER  LXXXV. 

LONDON,  20  November  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  am  but  the  shadow  of  the 
Grandmother  you  left  in  England,  and  cannot  go 
out  of  my  house,  and  I  find  such  delay  and 
indolence  in  everybody  that  tis  very  hard  and 
difficult  to  obtain  any  Answer.  ...  I  find 
the  Archduchess  is  likely  to  recover  the  small 
pox,  and  conclude  she  will  be  your  Queen,  there- 
fore likely  to  be  with  you  in  the  summer,  for  all 
preparations  for  the  other  will  serve  for  this,  the 
name  only  changed. 

God  knows  how  politicks  are  to  end,  at  present 
is  quiet,  but  the  Oppositions  and  money  spent  by 
Candidates  for  the  new  Parliament  has  been  un- 
known before.  Your  brother  and  Sir  George 
Rodney  are  oblidged  to  live  at  Northampton.  .  . 

Sir  George  Pocock  looks  pretty  well,  he  was 


M 


178        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS    OF   A 

summoned  to  Cockpit,  Lord  Torrington  to  Duke 
Grafton's,  to  hear  King's  speach,  but  neither 
could  attend.  Lord  Bolingbroke's  cause  is  begun, 
tis  thought  her  Lord  will  not  be  able  to  procure  a 
divorce.  The  town  will  be  very  empty  this 
winter,  every  soul  canvassing  in  the  Country.  I 
shall  rejoyce  when  Parliament  is  disolvd,  and 
Writs  issued  for  the  new  one.  Adieu. 


LETTER  LXXXVI. 

Nov.  25,  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — Your  Brother  has  told  you 
all  about  Northampton,  which  principally  fills  our 
thoughts  .  .  .  there  is  not  the  least  doubt  but  he 
will  have  success  ...  tis  infinite  the  trouble  he 
has,  and  must  for  some  months  have  the  same. 
Tis  rather  stubborn  and  obstinate  in  Lord  Spencer 
to  set  up  Lord  Howe.  .  .  .  Parliament  met  on 
Teusday  last,  all  pretty  quiet.  Some  attempts  to 
amendment  of  the  address,  but  it  soon  subsided, 
one  or  two  flamd  away  about  present  mismanage- 
ment, but  as  usual  ended  in  nothing.  The  landed 
Interest  is  beat  out,  and  Merchants,  Nabobs,  and 
those  who  have  gathered  riches  from  the  East 
and  West  Indies  stand  the  best  chance  of  govern- 
ing this  Country. 

Sums  unheard  off  are  now  given  for  Cornish 
Burroughs.  George  Byng  gives  ^3000  for  one 
he  is  oblidged  to  bring  in,  and  ^4000  has  since 


LADY   OF   THE   EIGHTEENTH   CENTURY.         179 

been  offerd  for  it  by  another,  tho'  in  honour  the 
Person  must  keep  to  his  first  purchaser. 


LETTER  LXXXVII. 

CHARLES  STREET,  Xmas  Day,  1767. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — The  season,  the  day,  and  my 
inclinations  all  press  my  best  wishes  to  be  sent 
by  my  pen.  Lord  Halifax  has  received  Mr. 
Hamilton's  letter.  ...  I  wish  you  had  taken 
the  resolution  in  last  summer  of  coming  amongst 
your  friends.  North  in  power,  Hillsborough 
now  Secretary  of  State  to  America — two  from 
whom  some  good  might  be  produced.  .  .  . 

It  is  found  necessary  to  take  in  some  part  of 
the  Opposition,  they  have  judgd  it  best  to  be  the 
Bedford  party,  the  consequence  is — Lord  Wey- 
mouth,  Sec.  of  State,  in  room  of  Conway. 

Ld  Hilsborough,  3d  Sec.  of  State  for  America, 
^"4000  a  year. 

Ld  Gower,  President  of  the  Council. 

Ld  Sandwich,  joynt  Post  Master,  in  room  of 
Hilsborough. 

Rigby,  joynt  Treasurer  of  Ireland. 

Lord  Charles  Spencer  may  be  one  of  the 
Admiralty  if  he  pleases. 

These  are  the  principal  changes,  only  Lord 
Gower  has  kissd  hands  last  Wednesday,  the 
rest  not  to  do  so  till  after  the  Holydays. 

Duke  of  Bedford  has  undergone  the  operation 


l8o       POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

of  Baron  Wesinfield  of  extracting  the  Christiline 
humour  from  his  eyes — they  have  been  bound  up 
the  proper  time  after  it,  and  now  the  bandage  is 
off  he,  that  was  quite  blind,  sees  perfectly  well. 

Lord  Spencer  is  determind  to  harass  the  two 
Earls  at  Northampton,  and  money  without  end 
will  be  spent.  Ld  How's  brother  has  no  chance. 
.  .  .  Lady  Northampton  dying  has  occasiond  so 
great  grief  to  her  Lord  that  he  cannot  prevail 
himself  to  go  to  Castle  Ashby.  Lord  Halifax  is 
at  Horton,  your  Brother  there  also,  but  on  Lord 
Rothes'  death,  Duke  Gloucester  has  his  regiment, 
and  all  were  to  be  presented  to  him  last  Monday. 
You  never  mention  Mont  Vesuvius  no  more  than 
if  you  were  not  there. 

My  dear  Jack,  wishes  of  all  health  and  happy- 
ness  attend  you  from  your  truly  affect. 

LETTER  LXXXVIII. 

CHARLES  STREET,  9  Feb.  1768. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  freted  to  be  oblidged  to 
disappoint  your  expectations  of  a  letter  by  last 
Fryday  post.  .  .  .  Your  brother  hurried  away  to 
Northampton.  I  hope  some  time  next  month 
we  shall  be  taken  out  of  our  boiling  water,  we 
have  as  yet  no  fear  of  loosing  the  Victory.  .  .  . 
March  i.  .  .  .  The  Parliament  now  fixd  to  be 
disolvd  the  iolh  of  this  month.  .  .  .  Lord  Boling- 
brok's  divorce  is  pass,  and  my  Lady  is  to  marry 


LADY   OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         l8l 

Beauclerk  at  once.  .  .  .  April 12. — Your  brother's 
letter  to  you  Postrestant  at  Turin  will  acquaint 
you  of  his  success  at  Northampton,  tis  thought 
the  loosing  game  to  Lord  Spencer  is  at  least 
;£  5  0,000,  but  he  will  dip  farther,  and  try  a  vexa- 
tious petition  to  the  House.  You  will  hardly 
credit  it  when  I  tell  you  Wilks  is  chose  for 
Middlesex,  and  such  a  madness  reigns,  all  the 
town  is  lighted  up  on  the  occasion.  ...  So 
changd  is  everything  since  you  left  us  that  you 
have  no  more  notion  of  our  Government,  Partie, 
Conections,  than  if  you  were  a  native  of  Italy 
who  had  hardly  ever  read  of  this  Country,  .  .  . 
even  the  very  ladies  are  changd  in  dress  and 
behaviour,  much,  very  much  for  the  worse.  .  .  . 
by  my  continual  attacks  you  will  find  me  as  much 
changd  as  all  other  things.  Thank  God  I  am 
very  well  resignd  to  my  approaching  end,  and 
have  no  attachment  to  this  world,  except  your 
Brother  and  yourself. 

You  must  forget  you  come  from  Palaces  at 
Naples,  we  will  do  our  best  to  accomodate  you 
when  you  return,  my  dear  Jack. 

yr  truly  affect. 

LETTER  LXXXIX. 

CHARLES  STREET,  May  $rd  1768. 
MY  DEAR  JACK, — Your  Brother  desires  me  to 
writes  this  post  to  say  he  hopes  you  will  not  suffer 


1 82        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

your  Servant  to  bring  over  anything  to  sell  here, 
he  shall  be  oblidged  to  give  his  word  for  that.  . .  . 
The  Parliament  is  to  meet  next  Teusday,  Lord 
Spencer  enters  his  petition  against  your  Brother 
then,  the  trouble  and  solicitation  is  not  to  be 
conceivd,  ten  times  more  than  the  Election,  the 
merits  of  the  Cause  is  certainly  with  us,  but  in 
the  House  of  Commons  there  is  no  guarding 
against  Power  that  transforms  numbers  and 
merits  into  what  shape  they  please.  We  have 
most  of  the  leading  Interest  with  us.  Ladies 
enter  into  this  affair,  and  Lady  Spencer  obtains 
all  the  Belle  Esprits  to  fight  their  cause  as  she 
thinks  the  men  cannot  resist  them.  .  .  . 

LETTER  xc. 

LONDON,  September  8,  1768. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — By  the  dreadfull  accounts  of 
desolation  in  and  about  London,  which  you  will 
read  in  the  newspapers,  which  are  very  exactly 
related,  you  may  wish  to  have  the  truth  off,  I 
scrible  this  to  acquaint  you  that  you  may  depend 
on  what  you  read  in  them,  and  therefore  I  need 
not  repeat,  only  add  that  my  kitchen  and  offices 
below  were  3  or  4  feet  deep  in' water.  People  who 
keep  exact  accounts  of  the  weather  say  more  rain 
fell  that  day  than  in  the  usal  course  falls  in  a 
month,  all  the  land  springs  have  rise  to  a  degree 
not  rememberd  by  anyone.  I  received  a  letter 


LADY   OF    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         183 

from  your  Brother  today,  who  says  ye  Wapineers 
and  seamen  are  so  riotous  on  the  river  that  a 
guard  has  been  oblidged  to  be  kept  there  for  the 
last  ten  days.  Sure  it  is  a  pretty  state  of  things 
when  the  lower  orders  contend  against  authority ! 
My  best  respects  wait  on  Lord  Halifax,  with 
the  affectionate  good  wishes  of  yours, 

S.  O. 

LETTER  xci. 

[Bushey  was  the  residence  of  Lord  Halifax.  He  died 
on  June  8,  1771,  when  the  peerage  became  extinct.] 

April  30,  1771. 

MY  DEAR  JACK,  —  Your  brother  has  been  at 
Bushey  ever  since  Sunday  with  your  Uncle.  He 
will  not  let  him  out  of  his  sight.  Inflammation  on 
the  Liver.  Dr  Thomas  carryd  down  Sir  Clifford 
Wintring  Sunday  evening,  who  stay'd  all  night. 

May  -$rd. — Your  brother's  letter  will  inform  you 
of  the  dangerous  situation  your  Uncle  has  been 
in,  indeed,  I  fear  consequences  from  it.  ...  I 
do  not  like  Jaundice,  you  know  my  fear,  and  calld 
me  a  Croaker.  I  am  very  unlucky,  however,  in 
my  foresights.  Your  Uncle  let  your  brother  come 
to  town  for  a  few  hours  yesterday,  and  says  he 
hopes  he  may  be  able  to  be  removed  to  George 
Street  next  Monday  if  no  relapse.  Old  age  comes 
on  apace  with  us  all,  and  then  what  pain  and  grief 
is  our  life. 


184        POLITICAL   AND   SOCIAL    LETTERS    OF   A 

Your  sister  has  set  with  me  all  this  last  week, 
as  not  proper  to  be  out  while  your  Uncle  so  ill. 
She  sent  her  excuse  to  Marlborough  House, 
which  she  bore  very  well,  but  I  painted  his  being 
a  father,  and  not  a  common  Uncle,  and  his  publick 
character  also  demanded  a  particular  decency.  .  .  . 

LETTER  xcn. 

December  18,  1771. 

MY  DEAR  JACK, — I  conclude  you  have  met  in 
the  newspapers  with  the  extraordinary  movement 
of  a  bog  or  morass  at  Solway  beyond  Durham  of 
1 2  acres  which  lifted  itself  up  3  feet  and  fell  again 
and  did  so  several  times,  and  several  days,  after 
which  it  floted  itself  off,  and  coverd  all  the  field, 
even  passed  over  a  river,  and  covered  Land  on 
the  other  side.  Sir  Gilbert  Eliot  and  others  who 
are  come  from  Scotland  have  seen  it.  None  can 
account  for  it,  only  say  it  is  the  greatest  Pheno- 
menon that  has  been  known. 

April 21,  1772. 

This  Town  drest  for  the  Holydays,  but  dismal 
in  this  weather.  Good  Fryday  snowd  all  day,  no 
comfortable  sun  yet.  .  .  . 

July  25,  1772. 

Here  is  a  strange  flurry  to  save  the  National 
Bank  of  Scotland,  by  a  Bank  set  up  at  Ayr,  Duke 


LADY   OF    THE   EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY.         185 

of  Buccleugh,  Duke  Queensberry,  and  a  list  of 
200  subscribers,  .  .  .  and  they  grant  annuitys 
,£800  for  2  lives,  ...  all  the  single  ladies  are 
distracted  about  it,  and  the  topic  of  all  conversa- 
tion turns  on  this,  but  prudent  people  fear  the 
security,  for  the  Lords  and  others  Estates  are 
most  of  them  entaild,  when  they  dye  they  cannot 
bind  their  heirs,  and  then  what  security  ?  The 
lawyers  opinions  are  all  against  it,  and  think  it  a 
very  great  risque,  therefore  one  knows  not  what 
to  advise  any  friend  to  do,  so  great  an  advantage 
bespeaks  a  snake  in  the  grass  somewhere  or 
other,  and  will  turn  out  a  Bank  in  Air.  The 
Weather  has  been  most  exceedingly  hot,  but 
Heaven  is  kind  in  sending  refreshing  cooling 
Showers,  and  tis  thought  by  coming  in  this 
moderate  manner  that  there  will  be  plenty  of 
grain  in  the  field,  and  fruits  in  the  garden.  .  .  . 
Only  sister  Byng  and  numbers  of  card-playing 
widows  are  in  town,  that  often  days  pass  with 
me  without  seeing  any  mortal.  If  I  could  read, 
write  and  work  as  I  could  till  very  lately,  my 
time  would  not  hang  heavy. 

July  6,  1773. 

Lord  North  is  now  in  full  fatigue  at  Oxford, 
where  he  is,  or  will  be,  chose  Chancellor.  I  think 
he  has  passed  a  disagreeable  winter,  the  papers 
treat  him  with  great  abuse,  but  I  fancy  he  stands 
very  firm.  There  is  such  a  want  of  abilities  and 


1 86        POLITICAL   AND    SOCIAL   LETTERS   OF   A 

such  dissipation  in  living  that  there  is  no  one  to 
step  forth  that  can  succeed  to  any  employment. 
Lord  Chesterfield  is  come,  but  I  have  not  yet 
heard  anything  with  regard  to  his  own  affaires, 
for  this  town  is  now  too  empty  to  be  informed  of 
any  thing  worth  noted.  I  pass  days  without 
seeing  any  one  worth  conversing  with,  so  that 
time  passes  but  heavily,  but  what  can  one  expect 
otherways  at  80.  Swift's  Brobdinangs  setts  that 
time  of  life  in  a  miserable  light,  and  can  make 
no  one  wish  to  have  it  prolongd.  I  am  so  far 
happy,  that  when  the  release  comes,  I  leave  none 
behind  that  can  want  me,  and  my  stay  here  can 
only  be  a  clog  on  those  I  love. 


[This  last  letter  is  written  after  the  birth  of  Sarah's 
great  grandson,  afterwards  Sir  John  Osborn.] 

17/^1773- 

MY  DEAR  GEORGE, — Next  to  your  brother  and 
yourself  this  little  sensible  boy  takes  a  deep  hold 
in  my  heart,  and  my  prayers  are  constant  that  he 
may  be  a  blessing  and  comfort  to  you  equal  to 
that  you  have  been  to  me.  I  am  ever  full  of  a 
thankful  remembrance  of  God's  goodness  to  me 
in  the  most  essential  point  of  life,  to  have  been 
made  happy,  and  very  uncommon  to  be  so  two 
generations  together.  I  trust  it  will  extend  to 
the  third,  in  which  you  may  be  the  partaker 
of  the  choicest  blessings  Heaven  can  bestow, 


LADY    OF   THE    EIGHTEENTH   CENTURY.         l8/ 

and  that  your  son  will  be  a  worthy  member  of 
his  family. 

Such  are  the  last  words  penned  by  Mrs. 
Osborn. 

In  Campton  Church,  Beds.,  the  following 
inscription  is  to  be  seen  on  her  monument  :— 

The  Honble  Mrs.  Osborn, 

Wife  to  John  Osborn,  Esq., 

And  only  daughter  to  the  Admrial 

Lord  Viscount  Torrington. 
Born  in  Oct.  1693  and  died  in  Novr  1775. 

She  was  a  woman 

of  uncommon  abilities  and  Understanding 
Who  managed  the  whole  Bussiness 

of  this  Estate 

in  the  two  Minorities 

of  her  Son  and  Grandson, 

Sir  Danvers  and  Sir  George  Osborn. 


INDEX. 


Almacks,  133,  162,  170. 

Anglesea,  Lord,  Marriage  of,  169, 

170. 

Anson,  Lord,  82,  83. 
Ayr,  Bank  at,  184,  185. 

Barrymore,  Lord,  Marriage  of,  159. 

Bath,  Letters  from,  20,  21,  22. 

Bedford,  Duke  of,  convenes  meet- 
ing at  Bedford,  38,  39 ;  letter 
to  Mrs.  Osborn  about  Admiral 
Byng,  117;  loses  his  Motion  in 
the  House  of  Lords,  128  ;  comes 
to  town  to  negotiate,  157  ;  grief 
at  his  son's  death,  166 ;  speech 
in  the  House  of  Lords,  169 ; 
undergoes  operation  for  his  eyes, 
179,  1 80. 

Bedfordshire  Election,  53. 

Bristol,  Society  at,  1 8,  19,  20. 

Byng,  Sir  George,  created  Viscount 
Torrington,  8 ;  correspondence 
with  Sir  John  Osborn,  9,  20,  21, 
38,  41- 

Byng,  Hon.  Robert,  Governor  of 
Barbadoes,  9,  51,  59. 

Byng,  Admiral,  9,  12,  13,  33,  41, 
68,  82,  83  ;  account  of  the  loss  of 
Minorca  ;  the  Admiral  sentenced 
to  be  shot ;  popular  clamour 
against  him ;  Pitt  pleads  his 
cause  with  the  king ;  the  king's 
reply  ;  letter  from  Voltaire  to  the 
Admiral  dated  from  Les  Delices, 
enclosing  one  from  Marshal 
Richlieu,  who  justifies  his  con- 
duct ;  application  from  Mrs. 
Osborn  to  the  Duke  of  Bedford 
on  her  brother's  behalf;  his 
reply ;  second  appeal  to  him 
from  Mrs.  Osborn,  enclosing 
letter  to  the  Lords  of  the 
Admiralty ;  Admiral  Byng's  last 


letter  to  his  sister,  March  12, 
1757;  document  written  by  the 
Admiral  a  few  minutes  before  his 
death  ;  copy  of  inscription  on  his 
monument  in  Southill  Church, 
Beds,  112-125. 

Chicksands  Priory,  9,  13,  15,  17 ; 
letters  from,  60,  61,  62,  68,  69, 
70-72. 

Chilbolton,  Letters  from,  45,  46. 

Court,  St.  James's,  description  of 
dresses  worn,  23. 

Court,  dining  at,  83. 

Cromwell,  Oliver,  Picture  at  Chick- 
sands,  43,  45. 

Danbury  Place,  Letters  from,  26-33. 
Duel,   Account  of,  fought  in  Hill 
Street,  103-105. 

Earthquakes,  in  Northamptonshire, 

Leicestershire,  etc.,  100. 
Elections,  174. 

Fox,  Mr.,  98,  131,  135. 

George  II.,  King,  54,  55,  78,  84,  101. 
George  III.,  King,  144,  150,  172. 
Gray,  the  poet,  22. 

Halifax  (Earl  of),  Lord  Lieutenant 
of  Ireland,  13  ;  Secretary  of  State, 
13,  62,  loo,  128,  129,  131  ; 
marriage  of  his  daughter  with 
Lord  Hinchinbroke,  132,  133- 

I3S,    139.    142,    145.    'S3,    160, 
161 ;   nominates  his  nephew  as 
member  for  Northampton  Elec- 
tion, 174  ;  illness  of,  183. 
Housekeeping,  Account  of,  55-58. 

Inoculation,  Introduction  of,  23. 


1 90 


INDEX. 


Kent,  Duke  of,  36,  37,  42. 
Kimbolton,  Visit  to,  35-37. 

Laley,  Fate  of,  141. 
Layer,  Mr.,  his  trial,  26. 
Lumley,  Lord,  his  death  and  will, 
133- 

Manchester,  Duke  of,  his  death  and 

will,  63-65,  67. 
Marlborough,  Duke  of,  his  funeral, 

25. 

Minorca,  Fall  of,  1 1 2. 
Montagu,  Marriage  of  Lady  Betty, 

132,  133- 

North,  Lord,  174,  176,  185. 
Northampton  Races,  173. 
Northantpton,  Election  at,  178, 180, 
182. 

Orange,  Prince  and  Princess  of,  54. 

Osborn,  Mrs.,  7,  IO,  II,  12,  13, 
187. 

Osborn,  Sir  Danvers,  member  for 
Co.  Bedford,  II  ;  raises  troop  in 
support  of  the  king,  12  ;  Gover- 
nor of  New  York,  dies  there,  12. 

Ossory,  Lord,  156,  168. 

Palmerston,  Lord,  174. 

Pitt,  Mr.,  the  hero  of  the  day, 
126  ;  means  to  repeal  the  Stamp 
Act,  127 ;  a  harlequin,  137  ; 
sent  for  by  the  king,  144  ;  is 
made  Lord  Chatham,  146 ;  Privy 
Seal,  146,  148,  154,  161,  169. 

Pope,  his  Essay  on  Man,  59. 

Pretender,  Rebellion  of,  report  of, 


78;  king's  message  to  the  House, 
78  ;  Duke  of  Marlborough's  reply  ; 
speeches  of  Lord  Chesterfield, 
Lord  Lonsdale,  Mr.  Pitt  ;  general 
alarm  in  London  ;  preparations 
for  war  ;  6000  Dutch  troops  ex- 
pected ;  panic  in  London  ;  let- 
ter found  on  Count  St.  Germain  ; 
hiding  the  plate  ;  prisoners 
brought  to  the  Tower  ;  Duke  of 
Cumberland,  78-91. 
Princess  Caroline,  151. 

Ranelagh,  136,  171. 
Ratclif  Church,  description  of,  19. 
Repeal  of  Stamp  Act,  127,  132. 
Richlieu,  Marshal,  113-115. 

Sackville,  Lord  George,  128. 
Southill,  Letters  from,  33-45. 

Tavistock,  Lord,  his  fall  out  hunt- 
ing, 163  ;  his  death,  1  66. 

Townshend,  Mr.  Charles,  127  ; 
Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer, 
146,  147  ;  on  the  point  of  resign- 
ing, 163  ;  opens  the  Budget, 
169  ;  death  of,  172,  173. 

Vanbrugh,  Sir  John,  1  8. 
Venice,  173. 

Vesuvius,  Eruption  of,  136,  140. 
Voltaire,  Letter  from,  113. 


t  128,  164,  165,  181. 


York,  Duke  of,  death  of,  175; 
.funeral  in  Westminster  Abbey, 
177. 


MORRISON  AND  GIBE,   PRINTERS,  EDINBURGH. 


University  of  California 

SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 

Return  this  material  to  the  library 

from  which  it  was  borrowed. 


OCI 2  S  I'l 


A     000  356  556 


